Duke in Danger of Being Overtaken as ACC’s Top Team

The Duke basketball program is generally considered the favorite out of the ACC heading into the 2026-27 campaign. The Blue Devils have dominated the league over the last few seasons, compiling a 36-2 record in ACC play over the last two years and securing the last two ACC regular-season and tournament crowns.

Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff reloaded in a big-time way this offseason, building what is his deepest and most championship-ready squad to date in Durham.

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

Duke is bringing back four of its top six scorers from a season ago in Patrick Ngongba, Dame Sarr, Caleb Foster, and Cayden Boozer. The Blue Devils also sealed the No. 1 overall 2026 recruiting class and are bringing in two marquee transfers in John Blackwell from Wisconsin and Drew Scharnowski from Belmont.

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Scheyer and Co. are adapting to this new era of college basketball, prioritizing roster continuity and veteran presences over raw young talent. Duke is the consensus lead club in the ACC heading into 2026-27, but Louisville isn’t too far behind.

Mar 21, 2026; Buffalo, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Pat Kelsey looks on during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Louisville Reloaded Through Transfer Portal Again

Pat Kelsey put in work through the portal cycle, and now the Cardinals enter next season as a true heavyweight contender in the ACC.

Louisville inked the No. 1 overall transfer portal class, according to 247Sports, headlined by the portal’s top player, former Kansas big man Flory Bidunga. Duke was interested in Bidunga as well, but the…

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Publish date : 2026-05-15 15:00:00

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