Duke Basketball Opens Season in Charlotte. Who Is on the Blue Devils’ Schedule?

The Blue Devils are back—and they’re kicking things off with a bang. Duke basketball is opening its 2025–26 season in style, heading to Charlotte to launch what promises to be another high-stakes campaign. With expectations sky-high under head coach Jon Scheyer, fans are already circling dates on the calendar and bracing for a rollercoaster ride of ACC madness, intense rivalries, and potential March dreams.

The Queen City debut isn’t just a flashy opener—it’s a statement. Duke will face a tough non-conference slate early, with key matchups designed to test their mettle right out of the gate. First up in Charlotte: a nationally televised showdown against Arizona, a top-10 team with size, depth, and an axe to grind. It’s a litmus test for Duke’s young core and a chance to see how this year’s talent stacks up against real, seasoned competition.

After that, the Blue Devils return home to Cameron Indoor for a string of high-octane games. Expect big-name showdowns against Michigan State and Kansas in the Champions Classic and the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. These aren’t just games—they’re brand-defining battles where the lights are bright, and the stakes are higher than the rafters.

Of course, the ACC grind is waiting in the wings. The usual suspects—UNC, Virginia, Miami—dot the conference schedule, and with Duke’s always-loaded roster, every game is a potential headline. The Tobacco Road rivalry rematch against North Carolina will once again be the centerpiece, with bragging rights, rankings, and tournament seeding all on the line.

But don’t overlook trap games. Road trips to NC State, Louisville, and Virginia Tech have tripped up even the most elite Duke squads. Scheyer’s challenge? Keep this squad locked in and growing, especially with freshmen like Carter Lang and five-star phenom Jaylen Wells expected to play major minutes.

In short, Duke’s schedule is no cupcake. It’s a high-wire act designed to toughen them up for March—assuming they survive the gauntlet. Opening in Charlotte sets the tone: this is a team with something to prove, in a city that knows basketball.

For fans, it’s time to buckle up. The Blue Devils are back, the schedule is brutal, and the road to the Final Four starts now.