Duke basketball is avoiding cupcakes at the start of the season.

Duke Basketball Eyes Matchup with SEC Opponent in Charlotte

The Duke basketball program is reportedly finalizing plans to open its 2025-26 season with a high-profile showdown against an SEC opponent in Charlotte.

According to national insider Jon Rothstein, Duke and Texas are working on an agreement to face off on November 4 at the Spectrum Center, marking the season opener for both teams.

This game would kick off a challenging non-conference schedule for Jon Scheyer’s fourth Duke squad. The Blue Devils are already set to meet Kansas in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 18, take on Arkansas in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic at Chicago’s United Center on November 27, and play Michigan State on the road in December.

Additionally, Duke will face Army away on November 11 and is expected to compete against another ranked opponent in the ACC/SEC Challenge. The non-conference slate will wrap up with a marquee matchup versus Michigan in Washington, D.C., in February.