Potential Shakeup Brewing in Duke’s Marquee Contest With Michigan

Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer has done it again.

Scheyer always aims to give his guys a daunting non-conference slate in order to best prepare them for the postseason. In 2025-26, the Blue Devils boasted what was likely the best resume in college basketball last season, compiling a 19-3 record in Quadrant 1 games.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer looks on from the bench against the UConn Huskies during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Blue Devils also went 11-2 against AP Top 25 opponents last season. Not only was this the most wins over ranked teams of any team in the sport, but it tied the record for most wins over ranked teams in a season since the AP Poll era began.

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Most recently, it was announced that Duke would begin a home-and-home series with Illinois on Nov. 17 in Durham. An official announcement is expected soon.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

As its non-conference slate currently stands, Duke will face three of last season’s Final Four clubs in Illinois, UConn, and Michigan, once again giving the program a chance to cement the best resume in the entire sport, given the expectation that the ACC will be vastly improved in 2026-27.

However, one of those contests is now up in the air, with a dispute over broadcasting rights at the forefront.

Mar 26, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer speaks with the media during a press conference ahead of the east regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images