Top 6 Must-Watch Duke Football Games for the 2025 Season

Photo by Laura Murphy - Duke Football Talk 

Duke Football is riding high after a remarkable 9-4 campaign under first-year head coach Manny Diaz. Despite a tough loss to Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl, the season was a major success. The Blue Devils shattered expectations, surpassing Vegas oddsmakers’ preseason win total of 5.5, reclaiming the Victory Bell for the first time in six years, and earning the title of state champs by defeating North Carolina, NC State, and Wake Forest in the same season.

The ACC officially released the 2025 schedule yesterday, giving fans a first look at what’s ahead. While it’s still early—spring games and another transfer portal window could shake things up—we’ve put together an early list of Duke’s six most intriguing matchups for the upcoming season. These games were selected based on last season’s performances, rivalries, and potential excitement. As kickoff approaches, this list may evolve, but for now, here are the six games we’re most excited about.


1. Duke vs. Illinois - Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC – September 6, 2025
Illinois will be a major early test for the Blue Devils. The Fighting Illini are coming off a stellar 10-3 season, capped with a win over South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, and finished ranked #16 in the final AP Poll. This matchup will give Duke fans a chance to see how their team stacks up against a solid Big Ten opponent early in the season.

2. Duke at Tulane - Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, LA – September 13, 2025
This road trip to Tulane is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing matchups of the season. Former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah transferred to Duke, adding an intriguing layer to the game. Tulane finished last season at 9-5 and appeared in the Gasparilla Bowl, though they fell to Florida. Expect a lively, potentially hostile environment in New Orleans.

3. Duke vs. NC State - Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC – Date 9/20/25
This in-state showdown is always a fan favorite, and this year should be no different. Duke has won the last two meetings, including a home victory in 2023 and a road win in Raleigh in 2024. NC State is coming off a 6-7 season, which ended with a loss to East Carolina in the Military Bowl. With state bragging rights and the potential for a packed Wallace Wade Stadium on the line, this game is sure to deliver plenty of excitement.

4. Duke at Syracuse - JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY – Date 9/27/25
Syracuse quietly had an impressive 2024 season, finishing 10-3 and earning a #20 ranking in the final AP Poll after defeating Washington State in the Holiday Bowl. This matchup will test Duke in a tough environment, making it a key game to watch.

5. Duke at Clemson - Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC – Date 11/1/25
The last time these two teams met, Duke stunned Clemson with a 28-7 upset in primetime on Labor Day to open the 2023 season.  The two teams did not meet last season. Clemson earned a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff and finished last season at 10-4, ranked #14 in the AP Poll. This year, the Tigers will look for revenge on their home turf, making this one of the most anticipated games of the year for Duke fans.

6. Duke at North Carolina - Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC – Date 11/22/25
The annual rivalry game for the Victory Bell always delivers, and this year promises to be no different. Last season, Duke ended a six-year drought by reclaiming the Bell with a victory at Wallace Wade Stadium. UNC is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 6-7 season, which ended with a loss to UConn in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl. Adding to the intrigue, the Tar Heels will be led by new head coach Bill Belichick, who makes his college coaching debut after a legendary NFL career.


​Honorable Mentions
A few other games could have easily made this list. UConn, fresh off a 9-4 season and a victory over North Carolina in the Fenway Bowl, will be another challenging opponent. Georgia Tech, despite a grueling 2024 schedule, finished 7-6 and will be hungry to build on that success.

Final Thoughts
Duke’s 2025 schedule is packed with tough competition. Nine of the Blue Devils’ 12 regular-season opponents played in bowl games last year, including Illinois, Tulane, UConn, California, Clemson, Georgia Tech, NC State, North Carolina, and Syracuse.

Stay tuned to Blue Devils Blog, follow us on Twitter (@DukeReport), and subscribe to our YouTube channel (@Skeelow22) for updates, predictions, and more coverage as the season approaches.

It may be a cold winter now, but the spring game will be here soon—followed by the thrill of college football under the lights in the fall.