CBS Sports writer Chip Patterson released his 2025 strength of schedules for each team in the ACC for the upcoming college football season, and he had the Duke Blue Devils way down at the bottom of the list. But, although Patterson thinks the Blue Devils have a cakewalk of a schedule, he gave them the perfect backhanded compliment, saying the program should be ready to compete given the light slate of opponents.
Patterson ranked Duke as having the 13th-hardest strength of schedule in the ACC next season.
"Nine of Duke's 11 FBS opponents were bowl teams last season, but outside of Clemson the Blue Devils aren't exactly punching up against the competition," Patterson said.