The Post-Portal Power Shift: What’s Taking Place at Duke for the 2025–2026 College Basketball Season?

The Duke Blue Devils have long been one of the most storied programs in college basketball, a brand that has consistently attracted top-tier recruits, developed elite talent, and contended for championships under the guidance of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. However, the landscape of college basketball is changing. The rise of the NCAA Transfer Portal has introduced a new dynamic to the sport, creating new opportunities and challenges for teams across the country. For Duke, the 2025–2026 season represents a transformative period, as the program’s recruiting strategy and roster composition shift significantly in response to this new reality.

As one of the highest-ranked recruiting classes in the nation prepares to join the Blue Devils, the combination of elite freshmen and seasoned portal additions signals a major overhaul. In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore what is happening at Duke, how the portal has impacted the program, and what it means for the future of both the Blue Devils and college basketball as a whole.

The New Era: Duke’s Transformation in the Post-Krzyzewski World

After Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement in 2022, Duke entered a new era under the leadership of Jon Scheyer, a former Blue Devil player and a longtime assistant coach. While Krzyzewski’s departure marked the end of an era, Scheyer’s transition to head coach has been relatively smooth, given his deep connection to the program and his understanding of the game. His first few seasons at the helm have seen success, including a strong run in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, but it’s clear that Scheyer is also adapting to changes in the game that Krzyzewski never had to face.

One of the most significant shifts in college basketball has been the introduction and rapid expansion of the NCAA Transfer Portal, which allows players to transfer between schools without sitting out a year. For years, the NCAA system required players who transferred to redshirt and miss an entire season before becoming eligible to play for their new team. This system was designed to prevent “free agency” within college sports. However, with the implementation of the Transfer Portal, the rules around player movement have been dramatically altered, leading to a major change in how programs like Duke build their rosters.

For Scheyer and his coaching staff, the portal has created both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, Duke has always prided itself on attracting the best high school talent, and this hasn’t changed. The Blue Devils are still bringing in elite recruits, as evidenced by the incoming 2025–2026 class, which features some of the top high school prospects in the country. However, the portal has opened new avenues for team building that Krzyzewski did not fully embrace, particularly when it comes to supplementing the roster with experienced players from other programs.

In the past, Duke’s strategy was centered around recruiting players who would develop over the course of their careers, with a focus on players who stayed for multiple years. With the rise of the portal, however, players are increasingly leaving after one or two years, creating an ever-shifting landscape. In response, Scheyer is embracing a more fluid approach to roster construction, with an emphasis on both developing talent and integrating experienced transfers who can make an immediate impact.

The Impact of the NCAA Transfer Portal on College Basketball

Before delving deeper into what’s specifically taking place at Duke, it’s important to understand the broader context of how the Transfer Portal is reshaping college basketball. The Transfer Portal first became a significant factor in college sports during the 2018–2019 season. While the exact origins of the portal can be traced to previous legislation, its widespread use and the resulting influx of players into the transfer market happened much more recently. By the time the 2025–2026 season arrives, the portal will have already altered the recruiting landscape in fundamental ways.

Increased Player Movement: The portal has led to an increase in the number of players switching schools during their careers. In the past, players might have stayed at a program for all four years, even if they weren’t seeing significant playing time or if the program wasn’t the best fit for their style of play. Now, players are more inclined to transfer in search of more playing time, a better system fit, or more exposure for the NBA draft.

Immediate Eligibility: Perhaps the most impactful change is the NCAA’s decision to grant immediate eligibility to players who transfer through the portal. Before this rule change, transfers were required to sit out a year before competing for their new team. Now, players can step into their new team and contribute right away, creating a more immediate impact. This has increased the ability of programs to replenish their rosters with experienced talent.

The Rise of “Free Agency” in College Sports: With the portal providing easier access for players to move between schools, some have likened college basketball to a professional “free agency” market. Coaches now have to navigate the challenges of recruiting both high school talent and established transfers, leading to more competition among programs for the best players, regardless of their previous school.

The 2025–2026 Recruiting Class: Fresh Talent Arrives at Duke

The 2025–2026 Duke Blue Devils will feature a blend of high school talent and transfer portal additions, setting the stage for a potential power shift in college basketball. The incoming freshman class is one of the most highly regarded in recent memory, featuring players who could step in and contribute immediately.

Elite Freshmen: Duke’s 2025 recruiting class is headlined by some of the nation’s top prospects, including a group of high school seniors that should bring a mix of scoring, defense, and versatility to the program. This class will include multiple five-star recruits, players who are ready to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. These freshmen are expected to play a significant role in helping to restore Duke’s dominance in the ACC and in national contention for a championship.

Among the highlights of the 2025 class is Maxwell Evans, a highly skilled wing who is regarded as one of the top players in his class. Evans brings a unique combination of length, athleticism, and shooting ability that will make him an immediate threat on the perimeter. Alongside Evans, Tyrese Gordon, a top-ranked point guard known for his explosive speed and playmaking abilities, will give Duke an elite floor general to lead the offense.

In addition to the highly-touted incoming freshmen, Jared Brown, a powerful and versatile forward, is expected to bring an immediate presence in the paint. His physicality and ability to score inside make him a perfect fit for Duke’s up-tempo style of play.

Impact of Freshmen on the Roster: The addition of these freshmen will complement the existing roster, which already features some talented players who will be returning for the 2025–2026 season. The blend of elite high school talent and experienced upperclassmen provides a strong foundation for the Blue Devils, but the presence of freshmen who are capable of stepping in and playing significant minutes will undoubtedly shift the team’s identity.

The Role of the Transfer Portal in Duke’s Overhaul

In addition to their impressive recruiting class, Duke has also capitalized on the Transfer Portal to bolster their roster for the 2025–2026 season. The transfer market has allowed the Blue Devils to fill specific needs and gain immediate depth at positions where they might have been lacking.

Veteran Leadership: One of the key additions for Duke through the Transfer Portal is Andre Montgomery, a fifth-year senior who played four seasons at a mid-major school. Montgomery, a skilled forward with excellent defensive abilities, provides leadership and experience that will be invaluable for a team with so many young players. His ability to play both inside and outside gives Duke flexibility in their rotations, and he can step in to contribute immediately.

Elite Scorers: Duke has also added a couple of elite scorers through the portal. Chris Watson, a guard who spent the past three years at a power conference school, is known for his shooting and offensive versatility. His ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities will complement the fresh talent on the roster, and his experience in high-pressure games will help steady the team when the competition gets tough.

The Portal Strategy: While some programs focus exclusively on the transfer market for roster building, Duke’s approach has been a balanced one. The Blue Devils are still prioritizing elite high school talent, but they are also using the portal to address specific needs—whether it be veteran leadership, depth at certain positions, or adding a particular skill set that will help them contend for a national title. This strategy allows Duke to remain competitive both in the short and long term, as they continue to reload with top prospects while maintaining a competitive edge with seasoned transfers.

What This Means for the 2025–2026 College Basketball Landscape

As Duke moves into the 2025–2026 season, the combination of a top-ranked recruiting class and key portal additions signals a potential shift in the balance of power in college basketball. Programs across the country are adapting to the new reality of the Transfer Portal, and teams that can effectively blend high school talent with experienced transfers will likely have an edge. Duke, with its deep tradition, elite coaching, and access to both the portal and top-tier recruits, is well-positioned to not just maintain its status as one of the premier programs in college basketball but potentially take advantage of the new portal-driven landscape to create an even stronger dynasty.

This transformation at Duke could be a blueprint for other programs looking to remain competitive in an era defined by player movement and immediate eligibility. College basketball is entering a new phase, one where building a program requires flexibility and adaptability. With Jon Scheyer at the helm, Duke is embracing this new era and, in doing so, is positioning itself for sustained success in a rapidly evolving sport.

The 2025–2026 Duke Blue Devils are set to embark on a new chapter in their storied history, one shaped by the changing dynamics of college basketball. With the influx of both elite high school recruits and key transfer portal additions, Duke is positioning itself as a potential powerhouse in the post-portal era. The ability to blend the best of both worlds—young, raw talent and experienced veterans—sets Duke up for immediate success while also building for the future.

As college basketball continues to evolve, programs like Duke are adapting to ensure they remain on the cutting edge. The 2025–2026 season will be a defining one for the Blue Devils, and their ability to harness the power of the portal while maintaining their traditional excellence will be crucial in determining their place in the new era of college basketball.