As the 2025-2026 season approaches, the Duke Blue Devils are poised to take the college basketball world by storm, with a roster that blends experienced returning players and some of the most exciting young talent in the nation. Head coach Jon Scheyer is entering his fourth season at the helm, and with several key players returning and an exceptional 2025 recruiting class, the Blue Devils look ready to dominate the ACC once again.
The Core of Returning Talent
Duke’s roster for the upcoming season will feature a strong foundation of returning players who have proven themselves at the collegiate level. One of the biggest names is Caleb Foster, who has announced he will return for his sophomore season. Foster, a key contributor in the backcourt, has the potential to be one of the best point guards in the ACC. His ability to distribute the ball and score from all areas of the floor makes him an indispensable part of Duke’s plans.
Joining Foster in the backcourt is Isaiah Evans, a versatile guard who will look to take on a bigger role this season. Evans’ defensive prowess and offensive versatility are essential to Duke’s championship aspirations. Additionally, Patrick Ngongba, a promising sophomore, will provide depth in the frontcourt, giving the Blue Devils a reliable presence in the paint.
Another important returnee is Maliq Brown, who is coming back for his final year of eligibility. Brown’s leadership and experience will be crucial for Duke, as he brings a strong defensive presence and can score when needed. Darren Harris, another experienced player, will look to build on his previous seasons and bring added depth to the Blue Devils’ roster.
The Elite 2025 Recruiting Class
While Duke has solidified its foundation with returning players, the excitement surrounding their 2025 recruiting class is hard to ignore. The Blue Devils have secured commitments from Cameron Boozer, a 6’9″ power forward who is ranked among the top prospects in the nation. Boozer’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ will provide Duke with an immediate impact player in the frontcourt.
Also joining the Blue Devils are Cayden Boozer, a 6’6″ point guard, and Nikolas Khamenia, another highly-touted 6’8″ power forward. Cayden Boozer’s playmaking ability and leadership will add to Duke’s already impressive backcourt depth, while Khamenia’s versatility and scoring touch will complement the Blue Devils’ inside game.
Key Departures and Potential Transfers
While Duke’s roster looks strong, it will face significant changes as well. Cooper Flagg, one of the top players in the 2025 class, has declared for the NBA Draft. His departure leaves a notable gap in Duke’s frontcourt, but the addition of Cameron and Nikolas Boozer should help ease the transition. Kon Knueppel is also expected to declare for the draft, further shaking up the Blue Devils’ rotation.
Tyrese Proctor, a standout guard for Duke, is another player heading to the NBA, leaving a hole in the backcourt. However, with returning players like Caleb Foster and the promising newcomers, Duke should have the depth to absorb these departures.
Additionally, Duke is likely to make moves in the transfer portal to fill any gaps left by the draft departures and potential injuries. The Blue Devils have historically been active in the portal, and with the 2025 season on the horizon, it wouldn’t be surprising to see further additions to the roster.
The Road Ahead in the ACC
With the departures of key players to the NBA, Duke will have to adjust to a new lineup. However, the influx of talent, both returning and new, makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the ACC. The Blue Devils will likely face stiff competition from teams like North Carolina, Virginia, and Miami, but their combination of experienced players and elite freshmen could give them the edge in a conference filled with talent.
The core group of returnees, led by Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, and Maliq Brown, is complemented by the additions of the Boozer twins and Khamenia, making Duke one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation. The Blue Devils’ defense will remain a strength, with players like Brown and Ngongba anchoring the paint, while the offense will be high-powered thanks to the playmaking abilities of the Boozer twins and Foster.
