Caleb Foster is staying put. The sophomore guard revealed on The Brotherhood Podcast that he will return to Duke for his junior season, continuing his role in the Blue Devils’ backcourt.
A consistent contributor through his first two years, Foster’s choice to remain in Durham comes amid growing pressure for student-athletes to explore the transfer portal. Foster’s decision highlights the difficult choices players face in an increasingly fluid and uncertain era of college athletics.
Duke’s Caleb Foster Rejects Portal Noise, Announces Junior Season Return
Caleb Foster is returning to Duke. Amidst growing speculation and the ever-spinning transfer portal carousel, the sophomore guard confirmed on The Brotherhood Podcast that he will be back in Durham for his junior season.
Rather than testing the waters elsewhere, Foster is doubling down on his development with the Blue Devils, placing faith in his growth and the foundation he’s built at the program.
“Like I just said, self-reflection… learning where I went wrong at and what I could have done better and, you know, facing the problem head-on,” Foster said when discussing his mindset.
Despite harboring NBA ambitions, he believes Duke offers the highest level of college basketball competition.
“There’s no bigger stage,” he said. “I feel like I’m more than capable of doing that and, you know, being that guy. So, like, why not double down on myself and bet on myself?”
The transfer portal has changed the face of college hoops, but Foster remains grounded, thanks to a close-knit support system that includes his parents, cousin J5, and cousin Germaine.
“It’s kind of the way I was raised — to not run from whatever comes your way,” he explained. “Self-reflect, see where you went wrong, change that and learn from it.”
Addressing the transfer landscape directly, Foster called it “a slippery slope.” He acknowledged its value for some but clarified,
“It’s a slippery slope, man, like it’s hard, bro, like sometimes, like it may be necessary, but other times, I think that you just got to do what’s best for you. But for me um like I said I was kind of taught to fight, and that’s what I’m going to do.” Drawing inspiration from Jalen Hurts, he added, “He got benched by Tua. He fought all the way back. Like, why can’t I?”
Foster’s return isn’t just about loyalty. It’s about commitment to growth, both on and off the court. He revealed plans to attend summer school and emphasized his desire to “enjoy the process,” mentioning a long-awaited trip with his freshman teammates and continued work on his game.
“I want to improve in every way,” he said. “I’mma read some books… get off Instagram… just enjoy life.”
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In an era when quick exits are common, Foster’s decision is a statement—one rooted in patience, grit, and belief in himself.
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