Duke, Scheyer Underrated? Blue Devils Ranked Just No. 11 for 2025–26, Sparking Debate Over National Title Contenders Being Overlooked
By Marcus Trent | College Basketball Insider | June 23, 2025
The countdown to the 2025–26 college basketball season is officially on, and with it comes the annual storm of preseason rankings. But not everyone is celebrating. In Durham, North Carolina, the mood is notably cool following the release of the latest AP Top 25 poll — which has Duke slotted at No. 11, a placement that’s already sparking debate among fans, analysts, and insiders alike.
Head coach Jon Scheyer, entering his fourth full season at the helm of the Blue Devils, finds his team surprisingly underestimated, especially considering the depth, pedigree, and star power returning to Cameron Indoor Stadium this fall.
> “We’re not focused on rankings, we’re focused on banners,” Scheyer said during a brief media appearance. “But make no mistake — this group is special. They’re going to turn heads.”
At the core of the perceived snub is a roster filled with talent that arguably stacks up with any team in the country. Leading the charge is sophomore forward Cooper Flagg, the generational prospect who dazzled last season with averages of 16.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. Now entering Year Two, Flagg has bulked up, sharpened his outside shot, and is widely expected to be a frontrunner for National Player of the Year honors.
But Flagg isn’t alone.
Five-star combo guard Jayden Stokes (No. 4 in the ESPN 100) and stretch forward Malik Devante, a 6’10” sharpshooter out of California, headline a stacked incoming freshman class that ESPN ranked No. 2 nationally. Add to that the return of junior point guard Tyrese Proctor, who elected to stay in Durham rather than declare for the NBA Draft, and you have a team with experience, firepower, and defensive grit.
So why the No. 11 ranking?
Analysts point to Duke’s disappointing Sweet 16 exit last March, when they fell to a red-hot Illinois squad in overtime. That game, marred by foul trouble and inconsistent bench production, cast doubts about Duke’s toughness in high-pressure situations — doubts that clearly carried over into the preseason calculus.
> “This ranking feels more like punishment for last year’s end than a reflection of this year’s potential,” said former Blue Devil and current ESPN analyst Jay Williams. “With Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor, and that incoming class, they should be Top 5, minimum.”
Meanwhile, teams like Kansas (No. 1), Michigan State (No. 2), and UConn (No. 3) have all earned top billing, thanks to veteran-heavy rosters and strong tournament showings. But the Blue Devils, known for peaking late and building through adversity, might relish the underdog energy.
> “Duke thrives when they’re overlooked,” said ACC Network’s Monica Reynolds. “This ranking might just be the fuel Scheyer and his guys need.”
As the season approaches, one thing is certain: Duke’s No. 11 ranking may not last long — especially if Cooper Flagg starts the season with the kind of dominance many expect. And if history is any indication, overlooking the Blue Devils usually doesn’t end well for their opponents.
For now, though, Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils are playing it cool — quietly confident, quietly dangerous, and ready to prove that greatness doesn’t always start at No. 1.
