Where Duke basketball ranks in latest national polls after 10-0 start

Where Duke basketball ranks in latest national polls after 10-0 start.

 

 

In the most recent AP Top 25 poll, Duke is ranked No. 3 nationally, reflecting its perfect 10–0 record to open the season.

Duke now boasts four wins over AP-ranked opponents in these first ten games — tied for the most such wins through 10 games in a season for the program since the modern poll era began.

That ranked-opponent win tally ties them with Arizona Wildcats for the most this season.

Why Duke’s 10–0 Start Has Earned High Marks

Duke’s strong start hasn’t just been about piling up wins — it’s been about quality, consistency and résumé — two aspects pollsters and analysts weigh heavily.

Their most recent highlight: a gritty 66–60 victory at Michigan State Spartans, a top-10 showdown on the road. The win pushed their season record to 10–0.

Because of that and other high-caliber wins, some commentators argue Duke has the strongest overall résumé in the nation at this point — putting them among the “best three or four” teams in the country.

If bracketologists were seeding the field today, many believe Duke would already merit a No. 1 overall seed based on body of work.

Why Duke Isn’t No. 1 — Yet

Even with the undefeated start and strong résumé, Duke isn’t atop the rankings — and there are a few reasons why.

In the latest poll, Arizona Wildcats claimed the No. 1 spot, with Michigan Wolverines at No. 2. Duke landed at No. 3.

Pollsters often weigh not only record but also strength of schedule, consistency, and performance margin. Some argue that teams like Arizona and Michigan have presented similarly strong cases.

With plenty of season left to play — conference games, road tests, and possible slip-ups — many see this poll as a snapshot: not a final verdict. Duke will need to keep winning, especially against tough teams, to maintain or improve its standing.

What This Means for Duke Going Forward

Duke’s 10–0 start has done a lot: it has re-established them as a national powerhouse early in the season; proven they can win high-stakes games on the road; and earned them serious respect among pollsters, analysts, and bracket prognosticators.

Now, the challenge becomes sustaining that momentum. If they keep winning — particularly against ranked or quality opponents — and avoid major slip-ups, they have a legitimate shot at reaching No. 1 in upcoming polls. But if other elite teams stay hot, or Duke falters, the “best résumé” status may not last.

Regardless, for now, the Blue Devils are among the most dangerous and respected teams in the country — and a cause for excitement for fans as the season unfolds.