Duke basketball has a losing record against 14 college hoops programs. Here’s the list

Duke University is often regarded as one of the elite programs in college basketball, thanks to their long-standing history of success under legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski. With numerous NCAA championships, ACC titles, and a constant presence in the top rankings, Duke’s basketball program has achieved the status of a powerhouse. However, as with any great program, there are rivals and challengers who have managed to get the best of Duke in certain matchups over the years.

Despite Duke’s dominance over much of college basketball, there are several teams that have historically had the upper hand against the Blue Devils. While Duke remains one of the most successful programs in NCAA history, their track record isn’t flawless. In fact, there are 14 programs in college basketball that hold a winning record against Duke, which demonstrates that even the best teams can occasionally struggle in certain matchups.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the 14 programs with a winning record over Duke, examining the historical context and individual matchups that have shaped these results.

1. UNC (North Carolina)

It’s no surprise that Duke’s biggest rival, North Carolina, tops the list of teams with a winning record over the Blue Devils. The rivalry between these two programs is one of the most heated and iconic in all of sports, and it has often produced some of the most thrilling and closely contested games in college basketball history.

The Tar Heels hold a slight edge over Duke in the all-time series. Historically, North Carolina has had more success in the rivalry, particularly during certain stretches when Duke struggled to match up. Duke’s failures against UNC are often tied to the physicality and tempo of North Carolina’s play, particularly in the post. Additionally, players like Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Tyler Hansbrough have been part of Carolina teams that have outshone Duke in several key matchups.

While Duke has had its fair share of victories against UNC—especially in recent years—the overall series record still favors the Tar Heels. As of the 2025 season, North Carolina has more wins in this rivalry, cementing their place as one of the teams Duke has struggled against.

2. Kentucky

Duke has faced off against Kentucky in some of the most highly anticipated games in NCAA Tournament history. Both programs boast elite recruiting classes, legendary coaches, and an intense drive for national championships. As a result, games between the Wildcats and the Blue Devils have often been high-stakes affairs.

Kentucky’s edge over Duke in their all-time series is a product of several factors, including their dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s, when Kentucky was consistently at the top of college basketball. While Duke has been more successful under Coach K, Kentucky’s aggressive, fast-paced style of play has historically been difficult for the Blue Devils to handle in certain matchups.

The Wildcats’ collection of future NBA talent, including stars like Anthony Davis, John Wall, and DeMarcus Cousins, has made them a tough opponent for Duke. Additionally, the success of coaches like John Calipari, who has brought in stellar recruiting classes year after year, has led to several victories over Duke in marquee games, particularly in the NCAA Tournament.

3. Indiana

Another program that holds a winning record over Duke is Indiana. The Hoosiers, under legendary coach Bob Knight, had several years of success in the 1980s and 1990s that directly coincided with Duke’s rise to national prominence. Indiana’s historically strong defensive play and the physicality they brought to the floor presented challenges for Duke in their head-to-head meetings.

Indiana’s successes in the rivalry can be attributed to key matchups in the NCAA Tournament and regular-season games. The Hoosiers have often employed a more methodical and grind-it-out approach to games, contrasting Duke’s fast-paced, finesse style. In the 1980s, Indiana was a consistent force in college basketball, which made their series against Duke particularly challenging for the Blue Devils.

Moreover, Indiana’s tradition of successful basketball and their all-time greats—such as Isiah Thomas, Steve Alford, and more recently Victor Oladipo—has kept them competitive against Duke, further solidifying their place in the ranks of teams with a winning record.

4. Louisville

Louisville, historically a formidable program in college basketball, has also had its way with Duke in several matchups over the years. The Cardinals are known for their aggressive, up-tempo style of play and suffocating defense, both of which have given Duke fits in their head-to-head battles. Louisville’s physicality and depth have often allowed them to neutralize Duke’s offensive firepower.

The Cardinals also have a rich basketball tradition with legendary coaches like Denny Crum and Rick Pitino. Louisville’s performances in the Big East and the ACC have been consistently strong, and their matchups against Duke often bring out the best in their players. Duke has struggled in the postseason against Louisville, which has only contributed to their losing record against the Cardinals in the all-time series.

5. Arizona

Arizona has had several strong teams throughout the years, and their rivalry with Duke dates back to key matchups in both the regular season and NCAA Tournament. Arizona’s combination of strong defense, versatile players, and dynamic offense has historically posed problems for Duke, and their head-to-head battles have produced memorable moments.

One of the most notable Arizona victories came in the 1997 NCAA Tournament when the Wildcats defeated the Blue Devils in the championship game. That win was part of a successful period for Arizona under coach Lute Olson, where the Wildcats had a reputation for being one of the most complete teams in college basketball. Arizona’s length, athleticism, and ability to score from all areas of the floor made them a tough matchup for Duke, contributing to their favorable record in the series.

6. UConn

The University of Connecticut has consistently been a major contender in college basketball, and their success against Duke speaks to the quality of the Huskies’ program. With four national championships to their name, UConn has built a reputation for their tough defense, high basketball IQ, and efficient offensive systems—traits that have allowed them to excel against Duke.

In particular, UConn’s championship-winning teams in the early 2000s under coach Jim Calhoun were a major thorn in Duke’s side. Players like Richard Hamilton, Emeka Okafor, and Kemba Walker led UConn to several victories over the Blue Devils, often dominating in key moments of the game. The Huskies’ ability to outlast and outplay Duke in these high-pressure situations is a big reason why they hold a winning record against the Blue Devils.

7. Michigan State

Michigan State has built a strong basketball program under legendary coach Tom Izzo, and their matchups with Duke have been marked by intensity and close finishes. Michigan State’s blend of strong, physical play and disciplined defense has often neutralized Duke’s more finesse-oriented approach.

Izzo’s leadership and ability to get the most out of his players have been key in his team’s success against Duke. Players like Draymond Green and Cassius Winston have been instrumental in Michigan State’s victories over the Blue Devils. Furthermore, Michigan State’s ability to compete at a high level in the NCAA Tournament has provided them with several key matchups against Duke, leading to a favorable record.

8. Kansas

Kansas is consistently one of the most successful programs in NCAA basketball, and their all-time record against Duke reflects that. Under legendary coach Bill Self, Kansas has maintained a winning culture, with a combination of skilled players, efficient systems, and tough defense.

While Duke has certainly had its fair share of victories over Kansas, the Jayhawks have historically been able to match Duke’s physicality and have had success in postseason matchups. Kansas has produced a wealth of talent over the years, including players like Paul Pierce, Danny Manning, and Frank Mason, who have contributed to the Jayhawks’ successful record against Duke.

9. Syracuse

Syracuse has had an up-and-down history in college basketball, but their head-to-head matchups with Duke have often been in the Orange’s favor. Known for their legendary 2-3 zone defense, Syracuse has frustrated Duke’s offense on many occasions, using their length and athleticism to stifle the Blue Devils’ attack.

The Orange have been particularly successful against Duke in ACC play, where their defense has been a tough matchup for Duke’s high-powered offense. With players like Carmelo Anthony and Jerry McNamara in past years, Syracuse has had the talent to back up their defensive prowess, leading to a strong record against the Blue Devils.

10. Villanova

Villanova, another traditional powerhouse in college basketball, has also had success against Duke in recent years. With a championship pedigree and a well-coached team under Jay Wright, the Wildcats have proven to be a formidable opponent for the Blue Devils.

Villanova’s combination of strong defense, smart offense, and timely shooting has often led to victories over Duke. Their ability to execute in high-pressure situations, particularly in the NCAA Tournament, has made them a dangerous team for Duke, adding to their overall winning record in the series.