The Duke Blue Devils are set to kick off their 2025-26 regular-season campaign on Saturday, November 8, as they welcome the Western Carolina Catamounts to Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on The CW, starting at 1:30 p.m.
Ranked No. 6 in the Associated Press poll, No. 5 in the coaches poll, and No. 10 by ESPN, Duke enters this season with significant momentum. The Blue Devils have a perfect record of 3-0 against Western Carolina, dating back to their first meeting on December 30, 1993. In their most recent encounter on December 30, 1996, Duke dominated with a 104-54 victory, showcasing their historical edge over the Catamounts.
Under head coach Jon Scheyer, who marked his 90th career win with a victory over Texas earlier this week, Duke boasts an impressive 77-9 (.895) record in home-opening games at Cameron Indoor Stadium since the venue opened in 1940. Notably, the Blue Devils have not lost a home opener in 43 consecutive attempts, a streak that last saw defeat in double overtime against Vanderbilt in 1981.
Duke’s excellence at home is underscored by an all-time record of 978-174 (.849) at Cameron, including a staggering 48-3 (.941) mark under Scheyer. The Blue Devils finished last season with a 35-4 overall record, which included capturing both the ACC Tournament and regular-season titles while advancing to their 18th Final Four. They will look to build off last year’s success as they return six players and add the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class, featuring Preseason ACC Rookie of the Year, Cameron Boozer.
Boozer has made a splash in exhibition games, averaging 28.5 points and 17.5 rebounds, while fellow standout Isaiah Evans scored a career-high 23 points against Texas in their recent opener. They will be joined by Cats retuning their scoring threat with standout players like Cord Stansberry and Marcus Kell, who are expected to make an impact against the Blue Devils.
Duke’s schedule this season features tough non-conference competition, including matchups against eight teams that reached the NCAA Tournament last year. Additionally, they will face 10 teams ranked in ESPN’s preseason top 25. The Blue Devils’ ambition remains to extend their impressive history, including the streak of being ranked in the top 10 for 30 consecutive seasons, the longest active streak in college basketball.
The passionate fan base at Cameron Indoor Stadium remains a driving force for the Blue Devils, as Duke has sold out 541 consecutive games. With the backdrop of a sold-out crowd, the Blue Devils will look to continue their winning ways and set a strong tone for the season ahead.
Fans can keep up with Duke men’s basketball through various social media platforms, ensuring they won’t miss a moment of the action this season.