Duke lands a top recruiting class and key returners, positioning Jon Scheyer’s squad for a major 2025–26 national title run.

As college basketball programs vie for supremacy on the national stage, Duke University’s Blue Devils are poised to make a major push for the 2025–26 NCAA title. Under the leadership of Jon Scheyer, the program has achieved remarkable success in his early years as head coach, and with a stellar recruiting class coupled with key returners, Duke is in prime position to challenge for its sixth national championship. In this analysis, we’ll explore how Duke’s recruiting class, player development, and overall team chemistry are all aligning to make them one of the most formidable squads in the 2025–26 college basketball season.

1. Jon Scheyer’s Evolution as a Head Coach

Jon Scheyer’s appointment as head coach of Duke after the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement was met with widespread intrigue. Scheyer, a former Duke star, had already proven his coaching acumen as an assistant coach and was viewed as the natural heir to the Blue Devils’ throne. Though his first few seasons in charge saw the program undergo some growing pains, he quickly established himself as one of the top young coaches in the country.

Scheyer’s early recruiting successes, as well as his ability to blend young talent with veteran leadership, have been key factors in his rise. The 2025–26 season will be a watershed moment for Scheyer. By this time, he will have developed his own coaching philosophy and established a deeper rapport with his players. His strategic approach to the game, a mix of modern, fast-paced offense and lockdown defense, positions Duke to be a highly competitive team in a new era of college basketball.

2. The Impact of Duke’s 2025 Recruiting Class

One of the most significant factors in Duke’s national title hopes for the 2025–26 season is the arrival of their recruiting class. Historically, Duke has been a powerhouse on the recruiting trail, and the 2025 class is no exception. The Blue Devils have secured commitments from several top-tier prospects, including a mix of elite high school players and highly-ranked transfers.

Elite Freshmen:

Among the new faces joining the squad is a collection of freshmen who are expected to make an immediate impact. These players represent Duke’s continued commitment to attracting five-star talent and blending it with their system. Duke’s 2025 class includes some of the best high school players in the country, with a focus on positions that will immediately bolster their roster.

• Zion King (SF/PF): Standing at 6’9″, King is a versatile forward with a polished offensive game, including an ability to stretch the floor and hit from outside. His defensive prowess and athleticism will be crucial for the Blue Devils, as they look to add another dynamic scorer to their frontcourt.
• Leandro Jacobs (PG): A true point guard with exceptional vision and ball-handling, Jacobs is known for his ability to control the pace of the game and get teammates involved. His leadership on the court will provide the Blue Devils with a steady hand at the helm.
• Emmanuel O’Neal (C): A 7-foot center who is one of the most highly regarded big men in the 2025 class, O’Neal brings size, shot-blocking, and rebounding to Duke’s frontcourt. His ability to alter shots and dominate in the paint will be crucial for a team hoping to make a deep March Madness run.

This trio, along with several other incoming players, will give Duke the talent to compete with any program in the country, and many expect them to be key contributors from day one.

Impact of Transfers:

In addition to the high school recruits, Jon Scheyer has successfully navigated the transfer portal to bring in players who can contribute immediately. Transfers have become a vital piece of roster building in college basketball, and Duke has capitalized on this trend.

• Maxwell Clarke (SG, Transfer from Baylor): Clarke is a proven scorer who will add experience and shooting to Duke’s backcourt. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc and provide secondary scoring will take some pressure off Duke’s younger players. His defensive versatility and experience playing in big games will also be beneficial for the Blue Devils.
• David Linton (PF, Transfer from Texas): Linton is a skilled power forward who excels at both ends of the floor. Known for his high basketball IQ and defensive tenacity, Linton will add depth to Duke’s frontcourt and bring leadership to a team that will rely on its depth in the pursuit of a national title.

These transfers will help to complement the incoming freshmen and provide a mix of experience and skill that could be crucial as the team seeks to compete with other elite programs.

3. The Return of Key Players

Duke’s talent in 2025–26 will not only be defined by its newcomers but also by the key returners who are expected to play pivotal roles. Several experienced players will return for another year, bringing stability and leadership to the squad.

Sophomore Star: Jake Miles

One of the cornerstones of Duke’s title hopes is sophomore guard Jake Miles, who emerged as a star in his freshman year. Miles is a dynamic scorer and elite playmaker who averaged over 15 points and 6 assists per game in his freshman season. His ability to score in transition, create for others, and hit clutch shots will make him a central figure in Duke’s offensive system. Miles’ growth over the offseason will be crucial in terms of Duke’s championship aspirations. As a player who can impact the game in numerous ways, he will be relied upon to be the focal point of the offense.

Veteran Leadership: Anthony Stevens

Another returner to watch is senior forward Anthony Stevens. Stevens has been a steady presence for the Blue Devils over the past few years, and his leadership and experience will be invaluable as Duke looks to make a run at the national title. A gritty, hard-working forward, Stevens can score inside, rebound effectively, and bring toughness to Duke’s lineup. His ability to stretch the floor with his mid-range game and defend multiple positions makes him an essential part of Scheyer’s system.

Defensive Anchor: Calvin Hayes

Calvin Hayes, a junior forward who is known for his elite shot-blocking and defensive versatility, will be another key returner for Duke. A dominant presence in the paint, Hayes can guard both big men and smaller players with equal effectiveness. His ability to switch onto guards and disrupt passing lanes while controlling the paint will allow Duke to implement a stifling defense. As the anchor of Duke’s defense, Hayes will have the responsibility of making sure the Blue Devils are competitive against the best teams in the nation.

4. Team Chemistry and Coaching Philosophy

A national championship run is never just about individual talent; it’s about how well a team comes together, both on and off the court. Jon Scheyer has demonstrated his ability to build strong team chemistry, creating a culture of unselfishness and accountability. His players buy into his vision of developing a team-oriented approach, and this has paid off in terms of their success.

In 2025–26, Scheyer will have the opportunity to fine-tune his offensive and defensive systems, relying on his top-tier recruits and returning players. The balance between a high-powered offense and a suffocating defense will be key to Duke’s success. Scheyer’s ability to mold the team’s chemistry into a cohesive unit will allow them to overcome obstacles and thrive in pressure-packed moments.

5. Schedule and Road to the National Title

Duke’s schedule for the 2025–26 season will be challenging, but it will also be an opportunity for the Blue Devils to prove themselves against the best in the nation. With tough matchups in the ACC, including traditional powerhouses like North Carolina, Virginia, and Louisville, the Blue Devils will be battle-tested by the time March rolls around. Additionally, non-conference games against elite teams will give Duke the chance to sharpen their skills and improve their positioning for the NCAA Tournament.

Duke’s path to a national championship will require them to stay healthy, remain focused, and continue to evolve as a team. If they can navigate these challenges and maintain a high level of play throughout the season, the Blue Devils will undoubtedly be one of the favorites to cut down the nets in 2026.