BREAKING: NCAA Drops Bombshell on Duke After Caleb Foster News — What It Means for Cooper Flagg’s Legacy

Jon Scheyer and the Duke Blue Devils came painfully close to reaching the NCAA Tournament championship game, falling just short in a hard-fought Final Four battle against Houston. That loss ended an otherwise phenomenal season for Duke, led by standout freshman Cooper Flagg and sharpshooter Kon Knueppel. The Blue Devils wrapped up the year with an impressive 35-4 record and secured the No. 3 spot in the final Associated Press rankings, reinforcing their reputation as one of the premier programs in college basketball.

As the offseason unfolds, Scheyer and his staff are now focused on retooling the roster in preparation for the 2025–26 campaign. With Flagg, Knueppel, and other key contributors either turning pro or moving on, Duke has ramped up its activity in the transfer portal, hunting for impact players who can help sustain the program’s elite status.

Equally important to the Blue Devils’ offseason strategy is retention—keeping valuable returnees from being lured away by other programs or the professional ranks. On Thursday, Duke received a significant boost in that department.

The NCAA March Madness official X account broke the news: “Caleb Foster is BACK. The Duke guard announced he’s returning for another year in Durham.” That announcement was music to the ears of Duke fans hoping for continuity in the backcourt.

Foster, a former five-star recruit, originally committed to Duke after a decorated high school career that included stints at Hickory Ridge High School in North Carolina, Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, and finally Notre Dame High School in California. His commitment came over strong offers from several major programs, including Auburn, Tennessee, Clemson, and Wake Forest.

As a freshman, Foster saw action in all 38 games, averaging 14 minutes per contest. Though primarily used as a backup to starting guard Tyrese Proctor, who averaged 12.4 points per game, Foster showcased flashes of his scoring ability and poise under pressure. In Duke’s East Region First Round NCAA Tournament win, Foster stepped up with a 20-point performance in just 20 minutes, adding three rebounds and injecting energy into the Blue Devils’ rotation. Even in the Final Four, despite limited minutes, he contributed on the boards, grabbing four rebounds.

With Proctor’s future still uncertain and the departure of other high-profile players, Foster’s return adds much-needed stability to Duke’s backcourt. His continued development could see him take on a larger role next season, potentially becoming a cornerstone of the Blue Devils’ offense as they navigate another competitive ACC schedule and aim for a deeper postseason run.

Foster’s decision to stay might also influence other underclassmen weighing their options, signaling that Duke isn’t just reloading through transfers—they’re keeping their core intact.