How Duke Basketball Can Make Return to Final Four

The Duke basketball program will enter the 2026-27 college hoops season as one of the favorites to cut down the nets in April 2027.

Over head coach Jon Scheyer’s four years at the helm for the Blue Devils, he has brought the team to the NCAA Tournament in all four years, including two Elite Eight appearances and a Final Four appearance.

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

However, this might be the most championship-ready roster that Scheyer has had since he took over as head coach. It has an elite blend of experience, continuity, and talent, all crucial factors in roster-building in today’s college sports landscape.

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Additionally, there’s some added fuel for the returners after how last season ended.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies guard Malachi Smith (0) drives to the basket as Duke Blue Devils guard Dame Sarr (7) defends 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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Duke’s 2025-26 Campaign Ended in Heartbreak

The way the Blue Devils’ 2025-26 season ended will live in college basketball infamy as one of the biggest NCAA Tournament collapses in history. Duke entered the Big Dance as the No. 1 overall seed and faced 2-seed UConn in the Elite Eight with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

Duke was in control for the majority of the contest and held a 15-point lead at halftime. The Blue Devils’ momentum continued in the second frame. They held a 17-point lead with about 17 minutes to go and a five-point lead with under two minutes left. It all crumbled in the end.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game…

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Publish date : 2026-09-22 10:30:00

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