The Duke basketball program is gearing up for a true chase for the program's sixth national title in 2026-27. This incoming roster is arguably the best that head coach Jon Scheyer has had since taking over. Duke will once again face one of the most difficult non-conference schedules of any team in college basketball, featuring two of last season's Final Four teams.However, the Blue Devils will also play some heavyweight opponents before the regular season kicks off. Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer (L) talks with referee Roger Ayers (R) against the UConn Huskies during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectDuke Basketball Releases Preseason ScheduleAccording to a release, the Blue Devils will play three preseason games before the season gets underway.Duke 2026-27 preseason games:Oct. 8: vs. Belmont (scrimmage)Oct. 20: vs. Tennessee (exhibition)Oct. 25: at Kansas (exhibition)Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) and UConn Huskies guard Malachi Smith (0) go for a rebound in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThis will be the second season in a row that Duke faces Rick Barnes' Volunteers in an exhibition matchup. Last year, the Blue Devils took down Tennessee 83-76 on the road. Scheyer and Co. built an elite non-con slate for the 2026-27 Blue Devils as they look for a national title following two stunning collapses in the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons. Duke will kick off the campaign with three exhibition contests.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow