The world of college sports was once again shaken up last Friday. A US District Court Judge in Colorado, Charlotte Sweeney, granted a preliminary injunction to all college athletes from the high school class of 2022 who just finished a fourth season of eligibility this spring, making them eligible for a fifth year in 2026-27. Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe NCAA is expected to appeal, but as anyone could have guessed, the transfer portal has now been flooded with a slew of fifth-year players looking for new homes. Now, I doubt this ruling will have much effect on the Duke basketball program, as it is already one of the deepest and most complete teams in college basketball. However, it could shake up the rosters of a few of the Blue Devils' marquee non-conference opponents. Let's break them down. Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden looks on against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectFloridaDuke will face Florida at Exactech Arena in Gainesville on Dec. 1 as part of the 2026 ACC/SEC Challenge. The Blue Devils and Gators will potentially begin the year as the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the AP Poll, in whichever order. Todd Golden's Gators are already loaded heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Florida returned six of its top seven scorers from last season, including All-American Thomas Haugh, SEC Defensive Player of the Year Rueben Chinyelu, and SEC Sixth Man of the Year Urban Klavzar. Mar 14, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Ak Okereke (10) and forward Devin McGlockton (99) double team Florida Gators center Rueben Chinyelu (9) during the second half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectHaugh, Chinyelu, and Alex Condon made up what was arguably the best frontcourt in college basketball last season. They're all back in Gainesville. However, the Gators could be adding more. Former Gators guard Denzel Aberdeen was seeking a waiver to play this season, stemming from his freshman year at UF, in which he averaged 3.4 minutes a night across 12 appearances. This new ruling now makes him eligible for this coming season. #Duke will head to Gainesville to take on a Florida team that returned an All-American, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and the SEC Sixth Man of the Year (six of its top seven scorers, too).Now, it might add Denzel Aberdeen.Cinema on Dec. 1. https://t.co/tVh5T8OqMI— hughstraine (@HughStraine) July 31, 2026Aberdeen spent three seasons at Florida before transferring to Kentucky for the 2025-26 season. The 6'5" guard was a critical piece off the bench for Golden's National Championship squad in 2025, averaging 7.7 points and 1.4 assists a night in 19.7 minutes. Duke and Florida are probably the top two teams in college basketball heading into the year, and the Gators might not be done building. Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen 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 ConnectMichigan StateMichigan State is the first premier opponent Duke will face through its daunting non-conference slate. The Blue Devils and Spartans will meet in the Champions Classic in Chicago on Nov. 10. Tom Izzo is returning All-American point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., along with a very promising young wing in Jordan Scott. The Spartans added big man Anton Bonke via the transfer portal and are bringing in a few intriguing freshmen, such as Carlos Medlock Jr. and Jasiah Jervis. Now, MSU could be bringing back one of its best players from last year. Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler (0) reacts after getting fouled by Connecticut guard Solo Ball (1) during the second half of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball East Regional game against UConn at Capital One Arena in Washington DC on Friday, March 27, 2026.