Duke Remains Top Seed in Latest Bracketology Update

Blue Devils jump to No. 2 in NCAA NET Rankings ahead of marquee matchup with No. 1 Michigan

Feb. 24, 2026 at 12:07pm

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The Duke Blue Devils (24-2, 13-1 ACC) have moved up to No. 3 in the latest AP Top 25 poll and jumped to No. 2 in the NCAA NET Rankings. After a heartbreaking loss to North Carolina, Duke has won three straight games by an average of 22 points. The Blue Devils are now projected as a 1-seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, with the only other team matching their 10 Quadrant 1 wins being No. 1 Michigan. The two powerhouses are set to face off this weekend in what could be the game of the season.

Why it matters

Duke's strong resume and rise in the rankings have them firmly in contention for a 1-seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Their matchup with Michigan, the current No. 1 overall seed, will be a major test and could determine who earns the top overall seed come Selection Sunday.

The details

The Blue Devils boast an impressive 24-2 record, including a 13-1 mark in ACC play. They are 10-2 in Quadrant 1 games and 16-2 across the first two quadrants. Duke is also a perfect 13-0 at home and 8-1 in true road games. The team's only losses came in heartbreaking fashion to No. 16 North Carolina.

  • Duke moved up to No. 3 in the latest AP Top 25 poll.
  • The Blue Devils jumped to No. 2 in the NCAA NET Rankings.
  • Duke and Michigan, the top two teams in the NET and KenPom rankings, will face off this Saturday at 6:30 pm ET in Washington, D.C.

The players

Duke Blue Devils

The Duke Blue Devils are a college basketball team that competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). They are one of the most successful and recognizable programs in college basketball history.

Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines are the athletic teams of the University of Michigan. They are one of the top college basketball programs in the country, currently ranked No. 1 in the nation.

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What’s next

The winner of the Duke-Michigan matchup this weekend could earn the top overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Duke's rise to the top of the rankings and their upcoming clash with fellow powerhouse Michigan highlights the strength of college basketball this season, with the two teams representing the best the sport has to offer.