Duke opts against pursuing fifth-year players for roster
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 2:24 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026

On August 22, Duke confirmed it will not pursue additional fifth-year players, maintaining its current roster. This decision comes amidst ongoing uncertainty around NCAA eligibility rules due to legal disputes, which have affected several teams. Former player Mark Mitchell is expected to play for Kentucky, while Jaxon Kohler will play at BYU. Duke's roster is already regarded as strong with five-star freshmen like Bryson Howard, making the addition of a fifth-year player less vital. The team's solid chemistry developed over the summer was also a key factor in this decision.
- •Duke will not pursue fifth-year players for the upcoming season.
- •Mark Mitchell is set to join Kentucky, and Jaxon Kohler is going to BYU.
- •Eligibility uncertainties stem from recent court rulings affecting college athletes.
- •Duke's roster features strong five-star freshmen talents.
- •Team chemistry developed during the summer influenced Duke's decision.
- 2:24 PMYahoo Sports — Duke Is Right To Avoid The 5th Year Madness
"Not as if the roster had any glaring holes anyways
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