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.
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.
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.
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…