With the ongoing efforts to strengthen non-conference matchups between Power Five conferences, discussions surrounding the SEC/ACC Challenge for 2025 have started to heat up. Recently, Duke athletic director Nina King and SEC officials have been considering a bold proposal from ESPN’s senior scheduling consultant Dave Smarr: a high-profile showdown between Duke and Alabama.
The idea of a Duke-Alabama matchup may raise eyebrows, given the stark differences in their football legacies. Alabama, led by head coach Kalen DeBoer, remains one of the most dominant programs in college football history, with a tradition of national championships and elite recruiting. Meanwhile, Duke, though a rising program under head coach Manny Diaz, has historically been more of a basketball powerhouse than a football juggernaut. However, Smarr sees the potential for a compelling storyline and a competitive game that could draw national attention.
The SEC/ACC Challenge, set to debut in 2025, is designed to enhance non-conference scheduling by pitting teams from both conferences against each other in marquee matchups early in the season. This initiative, backed by ESPN, aims to increase fan engagement, boost television ratings, and provide teams with high-quality competition outside their conference schedules.
A Duke vs. Alabama matchup would be a David vs. Goliath battle on paper, but Duke has steadily improved in recent years. Under former head coach Mike Elko, the Blue Devils made significant strides, and new coach Manny Diaz is expected to build on that momentum. If Duke continues its upward trajectory, a game against Alabama could serve as a major proving ground for the program.
For Alabama, facing Duke might not provide the high-stakes challenge of playing a perennial contender like Clemson or Florida State, but it could still be an opportunity to showcase the depth and dominance of the Crimson Tide. With SEC expansion and the introduction of a 12-team College Football Playoff, games like these could help shape postseason resumes.
Smarr’s proposal has yet to be finalized, as scheduling logistics and television contracts need to be ironed out. However, if the matchup is confirmed, it would be a fascinating addition to the SEC/ACC Challenge and a chance for Duke to test itself against one of the sport’s greatest programs. Whether the Blue Devils could pull off an upset or Alabama would reaffirm its superiority remains to be seen, but either way, it would be must-watch football.