Jon Scheyer isn’t shying away from elite competition—he’s embracing it. Under his leadership, Duke has crafted one of the most challenging non-conference schedules in the country for the 2025 season, stacked with marquee matchups against powerhouse programs like Kansas, Texas Tech, and more.
With high-stakes games on the horizon, including neutral-site showdowns and tough road tests, few programs can rival the Blue Devils’ slate.
Duke Men’s Basketball 2025 Non-Conference Highlights:
- ACC/SEC Challenge
- vs. Kansas (Champions Classic)
- vs. Texas – Charlotte, Nov. 4
- at Army – Nov. 11
- vs. Arkansas – Chicago, Nov. 27
- at Michigan State – December
- vs. Texas Tech – Madison Square Garden, Dec. 20
- vs. Michigan – Washington, D.C., February
Meanwhile, Duke’s biggest rival is trying to keep up. North Carolina and head coach Hubert Davis appear to be working to elevate their own schedule in response. Their latest move? A newly announced home-and-home series with Georgetown, set for the 2025–26 season, featuring one game in Chapel Hill and another in Washington, D.C. While it may not match Duke’s daunting lineup, it’s a clear signal that the Tar Heels are upping their scheduling game.
You’re right—lining up a home-and-home with Georgetown in the same season doesn’t exactly measure up to Duke’s heavyweight non-conference slate. While the Hoyas have earned a fair share of respect in the modern era, the move feels more like a modest step forward than a bold scheduling statement for North Carolina.
Many fans and analysts remain underwhelmed by UNC’s announcement. Even if the Tar Heels manage to sweep the series, critics argue it still won’t inject the kind of grit or “chutzpah” their schedule needs to truly compete with the likes of Duke’s stacked lineup.
Duke isn’t anticipated to face much resistance from North Carolina in their two rivalry matchups next season. In fact, the Blue Devils are widely projected to cruise through the ACC, which is a major reason why head coach Jon Scheyer felt comfortable stacking the non-conference schedule with some of the toughest opponents in the country. With Duke expected to dominate within the conference, these high-profile out-of-league matchups will serve as the real tests—and statement opportunities—for Scheyer’s squad.
Leave a Reply