Late Wednesday afternoon, the ACC released every ACC program's conference schedule. Every ACC program will have the same format, with one rival in a home-to-home series, seven games at home and seven on the road. They will also play one other team in a home-and-home series, making every program play 18 ACC games.
Louisville basketball learned earlier this offseason that it would play SMU twice, and it was uncertain until yesterday which other program the Cardinals would play twice. College basketball and specifically the Louisville Cardinals fans had one dream team in mind for their schedule, and it appears the ACC answered all of college basketball fans' prayers as the Louisville Cardinals and the Duke Blue Devils are scheduled to play each other twice in the 2025-26 season.
Related: Elite ACC basketball teams for 2025: Are the Louisville Cardinals the favorite?
Louisville basketball sharpens claws for sweet revenge after dream matchup reveal
The ACC will be led by their two elite programs next season, as the Cardinals and Blue Devils are two early favorites for not only the ACC Title but the National Title. The Duke Blue Devils currently hold the best odds to win the 2026 National Championship, while Pat Kelsey and his Cards' have the fourth-best odds.
KFC Yum! Center is going to be rocking when the Blue Devils travel to Louisville, Ky. The fans are already dreaming of this matchup from the Center, as Duke's 2025 class is the best in the nation.
This thrilling matchup was every fan's dream scenario. All basketball fans wanted these two programs to play each other twice, as the Cardinals' elite backcourt is expected to be the best in the nation and will now go up against Jon Scheyer and the 2024 ACC champs. The Cardinals will seek revenge, as Duke earned the regular-season crown and the ACC Tournament Title, while Louisville placed second in the regular season and lost to Duke in the ACC Title game.
This matchup is going to be loaded with NBA talent, as Duke will be represented by three 5-star recruits, including the nation's No. 3 prospect, Cameron Boozer, and newest addition Dame Sarr. Louisville will also have some future NBA stars, as the Cardinals have added three of the best shooters in the nation, including 5-star Adrian Wooley and 4-star Ryan Conwell. They also earned a commitment from the nation's top point guard in the 2025 class and sixth overall recruit, Mikel Brown Jr.
Louisville traveling to Durham will be the biggest test of the season. These two massive showdowns will be must-watch TV for all sports fans and may serve as a possible preview of the ACC Championship game and the NCAA Title game. The date has yet to be announced, but Cardinals fans must keep an eye out, as this game is going to be the biggest at KFC Yum! Center in a long time.
Related: 4 win-now players that could follow Mouhamed Camara to the Louisville Cardinals
For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason, stay tuned.