The storied rivalry between the Duke Blue Devils and the Clemson Tigers reaches a fever pitch this Saturday, February 14, 2026, as the two ACC powerhouses meet for a high-stakes Valentine’s Day showdown at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET on ESPN.
Game Preview: No. 3 Duke vs. No. 21 Clemson
The No. 3 ranked Blue Devils (22-2) enter the contest as heavy 13.5-point favorites according to latest Vegas odds. Duke currently holds a commanding lead in the all-time basketball series, 115-34, including a dominant 66-4 record on their home floor in Durham. The Tigers face a daunting historical challenge, as Duke has won 21 consecutive home meetings against Clemson.
ESPN’s Basketball Power Index (BPI) reflects this dominance, giving the Blue Devils an 89.2% chance of victory. However, the No. 21 Tigers (20-5) are looking to bounce back from a recent 76-66 loss to Virginia Tech and prove they belong in the upper echelon of the conference standings.
Key Matchups and Players to Watch
- Duke’s Home Dominance: The Blue Devils have turned Cameron Indoor Stadium into a fortress, rarely dropping games to the Tigers over the last two decades.
- Clemson’s Resilience: Despite the historical odds, Clemson features a veteran squad led by Carter Welling, who recently posted 19 points against Virginia Tech, and Nick Davidson.
- ACC Standings: With Duke holding a slim lead in the conference race, this game carries significant implications for seeding in the upcoming ACC Tournament.
Recent Football History: A Different Story
While Duke dominates the hardwood, the gridiron rivalry has seen a dramatic shift in momentum. On November 1, 2025, Duke football pulled off a stunning 46-45 upset over Clemson at Memorial Stadium. A late 3-yard touchdown by Nate Sheppard followed by a gutsy two-point conversion secured the win for Manny Diaz’s squad, marking Duke’s second consecutive victory over the Tigers in football.
Historically, Clemson leads the football series 37-18-1, but the Blue Devils’ recent “savage” performance—as described by fans on social media—has injected new life into the cross-sport rivalry. The two teams are already scheduled for a football rematch on November 21, 2026.
How to Watch
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, NC
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN App / WatchESPN
As the Tigers attempt to break a decades-long curse in Durham, the Blue Devils look to solidify their status as a national title contender. Whether you are tuning in for the tactical brilliance of Jon Scheyer or the underdog grit of Brad Brownell’s Tigers, this Top-20 matchup is the essential ticket for college basketball fans this weekend.