In just over a month, college basketball will be here. Preseason practices are underway and the ball will soon be tipped to start the 2025-26 season.

Coming off its historic season, which included a sweep of the ACC championships and a Final Four berth, Duke is again in reload mode following the departure of Cooper Flagg and two other top-10 NBA Draft picks.

The Blue Devils remain the favorites to win the 18-team league, but there are several programs trying to take that step from challenger to champion. Louisville is a popular preseason pick to threaten Duke ’s place at the title table. The Blue Devils’ Tobacco Road rivals will also have a say in how the standings shake out.

UNC is trying to get back on track after sneaking into the NCAA Tournament, N.C. State is ready for a “red recko

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