All three recipients of the 2026 Duke basketball offer remain in the top ten.

Brandon McCoy Jr., a 6-foot-4, 170-pound junior guard from St. John Bosco High School in California, was ranked #1 overall in the 2026 class by On3 and the 247Sports 2026 Composite when he visited the Duke basketball team early in November.

In the composite standings, he remains the leader.

However, McCoy lost two positions to No. 3 in the On3 rankings this week, so things might change shortly. Tyran Stokes, a five-star forward from Notre Dame High School (Calif.), climbed to the top spot, while Christian Collins, a St. John Bosco teammate, jumped to second place.

Scheyer and his team are still in the running for the other two high school juniors who received offers from Durham: Jordan Smith Jr., a five-star guard from Paul VI Catholic High School (Va.), and Miikka Muurinen, a five-star forward from Compass Prep (Ariz.).

Muurinen is ranked seventh in the cycle based on the most recent On3 report. Additionally, Smith is ranked No. 8 overall and visited the Blue Devils the same weekend as McCoy.

Duke basketball, the presumptive number one seed in the NCAA Tournament, is treading carefully.

Duke basketball is on track for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but even one misstep could jeopardize its position

The Blue Devils, now 12-2 overall and 4-0 in the ACC following an 89-62 win over SMU on Saturday, remain ranked No. 4 in the latest AP Poll. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi also projects Duke as a No. 1 seed in his Bracketology, alongside Auburn, Tennessee, and Iowa State—the same top four teams in the AP rankings for three consecutive weeks.

Duke’s case for a No. 1 seed is strong. The team is 4-2 in Quadrant 1 games and has not lost outside that category. Additionally, Duke ranks No. 2 overall at KenPom, boasting the ninth-best offensive efficiency and the third-best defensive efficiency. Only Iowa State shares the distinction of being in the top 10 in both categories.

However, the Blue Devils face a unique challenge. While their dominance warrants their spot on the top seed line, the competition in the ACC pales in comparison to other powerhouse conferences like the SEC and Big 12. These leagues, which are projected to send more teams to the NCAA Tournament, provide more Quadrant 1 opportunities, allowing teams to absorb losses without significant damage to their seeding.

In contrast, Duke’s ACC competition is weaker. The next highest ACC team in Lunardi’s predictions is Pittsburgh as a No. 6 seed, with Clemson as a No. 7 and SMU and North Carolina barely making the field. Meanwhile, the SEC is projected to send 12 teams, the Big Ten 11, and the Big 12 eight. This disparity leaves Duke with only four remaining Quadrant 1 games on its schedule, while 10 of its final 17 matchups are against Quadrant 3 or 4 opponents.

A single slip-up against a lower-tier ACC team could knock Duke off the No. 1 seed line, possibly even jeopardizing a No. 2 seed if multiple losses occur. While the Blue Devils have cruised through the ACC thus far, winning by an average margin of 21.8 points, the margin for error is razor-thin.

To secure a No. 1 seed, Duke likely needs to finish no worse than 18-2 in ACC play and win the conference tournament. While this is achievable given their current form, the team must maintain its focus and consistency to navigate the tightrope of their remaining schedule and maintain their place atop the NCAA Tournament projections.

Duke Blue Devils and Cooper Flagg are ranked first overall in the ESPN Basketball Power Index

The Duke Blue Devils and Cooper Flagg Claim the Top Spot in ESPN Basketball Power Index

The Duke Blue Devils are synonymous with basketball excellence. For decades, they have remained a dominant force in NCAA basketball, consistently producing NBA stars and drawing national attention. Now, the program has achieved a new milestone—led by freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, Duke has claimed the top position in the ESPN Basketball Power Index (BPI). This accomplishment highlights their on-court dominance and their ability to innovate and sustain success in a competitive landscape.

A Legacy of Greatness

Under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Duke’s basketball program became a symbol of success, winning five NCAA championships, numerous ACC titles, and making countless Final Four appearances. Now, under head coach Jon Scheyer, a former Duke standout and assistant coach, the program continues to thrive.

Scheyer’s leadership blends fresh energy with Duke’s core values: discipline, teamwork, and relentless drive. His knack for recruiting and developing elite talent has kept Duke at the forefront of college basketball. This year, the arrival of Cooper Flagg, the top-ranked recruit in the 2024 class, has propelled the Blue Devils to new heights.

Cooper Flagg: The Emerging Star

At just 18, Cooper Flagg has taken the college basketball scene by storm. A Newport, Maine native, Flagg gained national attention during high school, leading Montverde Academy to a national championship and earning Gatorade National Player of the Year honors.

Flagg’s versatility sets him apart. At 6-foot-8 with a seven-foot wingspan, he excels at multiple positions. His offensive skills include a smooth jump shot, exceptional passing, and the ability to finish at the rim. On defense, he’s a force—blocking shots, intercepting passes, and guarding all five positions.

Since joining Duke, Flagg has averaged a double-double with 20.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. His maturity, leadership, and basketball IQ have made him a cornerstone of the team’s success.

The ESPN Basketball Power Index

The ESPN Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a predictive metric evaluating team performance and projecting future outcomes. It factors in strength of schedule, offensive and defensive efficiency, and individual contributions. Duke’s top ranking in the BPI reflects their all-around excellence.

This season, Duke’s offense ranks among the best nationally, thanks to Flagg and a talented supporting cast, including veteran guard Jeremy Roach and sharpshooter Tyrese Proctor. Defensively, they’re equally strong, holding opponents to under 60 points per game.

A challenging schedule has also contributed to Duke’s BPI success. The Blue Devils have defeated top-tier teams like Kansas and Gonzaga, cementing their status as the team to beat.

A Well-Balanced Roster

While Flagg is a standout, Duke’s success isn’t reliant on one player. Depth and balance are key to their dominance. Jeremy Roach provides veteran leadership and clutch shooting, while Tyrese Proctor has emerged as a reliable scorer and defender. Mark Mitchell and Kyle Filipowski add size and scoring in the frontcourt.

Freshmen Caleb Foster and Sean Stewart have also made notable contributions, showcasing Duke’s recruiting depth. This mix of experienced players and talented newcomers makes the Blue Devils adaptable to any challenge.

The Scheyer Effect

Jon Scheyer’s transition to head coach faced skepticism due to the immense legacy he inherited. However, his strategic acumen and ability to connect with players have silenced critics. Emphasizing player development and adaptability, Scheyer has been instrumental in Duke’s success this season.

Scheyer’s offensive system prioritizes ball movement, spacing, and versatility, allowing players like Flagg to shine. His defensive schemes maximize the team’s athleticism and length, creating a formidable presence. His in-game adjustments have been pivotal in securing wins against top opponents.

Championship Aspirations

With their top BPI ranking, Duke is firmly positioned as a national championship contender. However, the path to a title is never easy. The NCAA tournament is unpredictable, and even dominant teams can stumble under pressure.

To succeed, Duke must maintain focus and consistency. Leadership from players like Flagg and Roach will be crucial during the postseason. Their ability to deliver in clutch moments, as demonstrated throughout the season, will be tested on the grandest stage.

Cooper Flagg’s Broader Impact

Beyond his on-court performance, Flagg’s presence has significantly impacted Duke and college basketball. His star power has drawn heightened media attention and record-breaking attendance at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Flagg’s decision to join Duke has reinforced the program’s reputation as a destination for elite talent. His influence will likely attract future recruits eager to follow his path and contribute to Duke’s storied legacy.