College basketball rankings: Duke deserves to be No. 1, has another chance at NCAA Tournament title
CBS Sports
by
Gary Parrish
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Duke basketball has solidified its case for the No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 poll this season, thanks to an impressive 25-2 record that includes a national-best 12 Quadrant 1 wins and no losses outside of Q1. The Blue Devils recently defeated Michigan, last week's top-ranked team, further cementing their status as one of the best teams in college basketball. Coach Jon Scheyer’s confidence reflects the belief that his team has what it takes to win a national title, similar to last year when Duke was favored but fell short against Houston in the Final Four.
Cameron Boozer has been the standout player this season, leading Duke to 25 wins through 27 games and earning consideration for the CBS Sports National Player of the Year award. Despite losing Cooper Flagg to the NBA draft, Duke’s performance remains stellar, with a 53-5 record over the past two seasons. However, history hangs over the team as last year’s near-miss in the NCAA Tournament serves as a reminder that regular-season dominance doesn’t guarantee championship success.
Looking ahead, Duke faces key matchups against Notre Dame and Virginia. A win against Virginia could secure the ACC’s regular-season title, but the stakes extend beyond conference play. With just two regular-season games remaining, every contest could shape Duke’s legacy. The Blue Devils’ ability to translate their dominance into a deep NCAA Tournament run will determine whether this season is remembered as a historic achievement or another near-miss.
For sports fans, the narrative of a powerhouse team like Duke striving for redemption adds emotional weight. Readers interested in college basketball will follow closely to see if the Blue Devils can finally deliver on the promise of their stellar regular season and secure the elusive national title. The combination of talent, coaching, and high stakes makes this Duke team a focal point for the entire sports world.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026