The rivalry dates back to January 24, 1920, when North Carolina defeated Duke (then known as Trinity College) 36-25. Since then, the rivalry has grown in stature due to both teams’ sustained excellence. As of 2025, Duke and UNC have faced each other over 260 times, with the series nearly even, though UNC has held a slight historical edge in the all-time series, leading approximately 147-118. However, the rivalry’s competitiveness is shown in how often the games are close and decided in the final minutes.
A major part of the rivalry’s fire comes from its success. UNC boasts 7 national championships (most recently in 2017) and Duke has 5 national titles, the last coming in 2015. Both schools have produced legendary players: UNC with names like Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Tyler Hansbrough, while Duke has produced stars like Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, and Zion Williamson.
One of the most unforgettable moments in rivalry history came in March 2022, when the two teams met for the first time ever in the NCAA Tournament, and not just in any round—it was the Final Four. In what many called the biggest game in the rivalry’s history, UNC defeated Duke 81-77, ending Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s storied career and denying him a fairytale ending. The Tar Heels would go on to lose the national title game, but the win over Duke cemented its place in rivalry folklore.
The rivalry has continued into the post-Coach K era, with Jon Scheyer taking over at Duke and Hubert Davis now leading UNC. Under these younger coaches, the rivalry has remained fierce and fresh. Their first meeting in 2023 saw Duke earn a narrow victory, but UNC answered back in the rematch. Heading into 2025, both teams are ranked in the Top 25, with expectations of deep NCAA Tournament runs, ensuring that their matchups carry major postseason implications.
Off the court, the rivalry extends into recruiting battles, media attention, and fan culture. Cameron Indoor Stadium and the Dean E. Smith Center are two of the most electric environments in college sports when these teams meet. Students camp out for weeks to secure tickets, and the games routinely draw millions of viewers nationally.
In the latest chapter, as of February 2025, Duke and UNC split their regular-season meetings once again, with each team winning on their home court. Both schools are projected to earn high seeds in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, setting the stage for another possible postseason collision. No matter the year or the stakes, Duke vs. UNC remains college basketball’s gold standard for rivalries.
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