Two of college basketball’s most storied programs, Duke and Michigan, are nearing an agreement to meet in a rare February non-conference game during the 2025-26 season. According to multiple reports, including one from CBS Sports insider Jon Rothstein, the matchup is expected to occur at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The game marks a significant scheduling move for both programs and will be their first meeting since 2013.
A Midseason Matchup with Historic Ties
The Blue Devils and Wolverines have a shared history that includes some of the sport’s most memorable moments. The programs famously clashed in the 1992 national championship, in which Duke defeated Michigan’s Fab Five to secure its second straight title under then-head coach Mike Krzyzewski. Overall, Duke holds a commanding 22-8 lead in the all-time series, including victories in 10 of the last 11 meetings.
Despite their historic rivalry, the two teams have met only sporadically over the past two decades, and not at all since a December 2013 contest won by Duke. The renewal of this series, particularly in a neutral setting and during the thick of conference play, signals a broader willingness by both schools to pursue marquee matchups outside traditional scheduling patterns.
February Non-Conference Showdown
Non-conference games in February are rare, especially for Big Ten programs like Michigan, which typically focus exclusively on league play during the second half of the season. However, head coach Dusty May, entering his second year in Ann Arbor, appears committed to testing his team in high-profile settings. May led Michigan to a 27-10 record last season, a Big Ten Tournament championship, and a Sweet 16 appearance, signaling a new era of competitiveness for the Wolverines.
Duke, under third-year coach Jon Scheyer, has also continued to thrive. The Blue Devils finished the 2024-25 season 35-4, earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and reached the Final Four. Though the team is expected to undergo significant roster changes with the departure of projected NBA No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, Duke’s incoming class of five-star recruits ensures that the program remains nationally relevant.
A Familiar Venue for Michigan
The game will be played at Capital One Arena, home to the NBA’s Washington Wizards and a site of significance for Michigan. The Wolverines won the 2017 Big Ten Tournament there following a dramatic travel delay caused by a plane incident. That memorable run adds an emotional layer to the upcoming contest, which could serve as both a symbolic and strategic checkpoint before the NCAA Tournament.
Looking Ahead
While the matchup has yet to be officially announced, the implications are already clear. For Michigan, the game offers a national stage to measure progress under May. For Duke, it represents an opportunity to maintain its status as a perennial contender, even with roster turnover. Regardless of outcome, the February face-off in Washington promises to be a notable entry in both programs’ long histories and a compelling midseason spectacle for fans of the sport.
