Duke is gearing up for what may be one of college basketball’s most challenging non-conference stretches in recent years. Head coach Jon Scheyer remains committed to tough early tests, building a 2025-26 schedule packed with elite opponents.
The Blue Devils are set to battle three powerhouse programs—Kansas, Michigan and Arkansas—in consecutive games. Each opponent brings a rich history and national title credibility, setting the stage for a high-stakes early-season gauntlet.
Duke’s 2025-26 Non-Conference Schedule Loaded With Heavyweights
Duke’s 2025-26 non-conference slate is one of the most challenging in recent memory, featuring a series of high-profile matchups that will push the Blue Devils early and often.
Scheyer is steadfast in his approach to test his team through a demanding schedule, highlighted by consecutive games against Kansas, Michigan, and Arkansas—three programs with rich histories and strong national reputations.
Duke’s 2025-26 Non-Con Schedule:
Kansas (neutral)
Michigan (neutral)
Texas (neutral)
Arkansas (neutral)
Texas Tech (neutral)
Michigan St (away)
ACC/SEC Challenge (home or away)
Army (away)Jon isn’t playing around this year👀🔥
— JonPow (@JonScheyerMuse) May 21, 2025
The season kicks off November 4 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, with Duke hosting Texas. The Longhorns, under new head coach Sean Miller, who arrived from Xavier this offseason, boast the nation’s No. 2 transfer class according to On3’s rankings.
Key arrivals include Lassina Traore and Dailyn Swain from Xavier, along with Simeon Wilcher (St. John’s), Camden Heide (Purdue), and Matas Vokietaitis (FAU). Miller retained core players such as Tramon Mark, Jordan Pope, and Chendall Weaver, with ESPN placing Texas at No. 24 in its early top 25.
One week later, Duke faces Bill Self’s Kansas Jayhawks at Madison Square Garden during the State Farm Champions Classic. Kansas, coming off a disappointing season, welcomes top recruit Darryn Peterson and returns key players like center Flory Bidunga.
The Jayhawks also added transfers Tre White (Illinois), Jayden Dawson (Loyola Chicago), and Melvin Council (St. Bonaventure), with ESPN ranking them No. 15 nationally.
On Nov. 27, Duke meets Arkansas in Chicago’s United Center. Under John Calipari’s second year, the Razorbacks aim to build on a 10-seed NCAA tournament appearance and upset of 2-seed St. John’s. Arkansas returns top scorers DJ Wagner, Trevon Brazile, and Billy Richmond III, alongside a top-five 2025 recruiting class.
In December, Duke travels to face Michigan State, coming off an Elite Eight run. The Spartans bring back several key contributors and welcome four-star recruits and portal additions. ESPN slots them at No. 18 nationally.
February’s matchup against Michigan, location pending, will pit two potential top-five teams against each other. Michigan’s portal haul, ranked No. 3 nationally, includes Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB) and Tre Donaldson (Miami).
The Wolverines also return key scorers Nimari Burnett and Will Tschetter, with ESPN placing them at No. 5.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
This brutal stretch against Kansas, Michigan, and Arkansas is a deliberate strategy by Scheyer to expose Duke to diverse playing styles and intense competition before ACC play. Beyond the marquee trio, the non-conference slate includes Texas Tech and the ACC/SEC Challenge, plus other tough venues.
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