Duke basketball fans were sent into a frenzy this week by a viral social media post claiming “breaking” news about junior guard Caleb Foster.

The post alleged that, amid swirling transfer portal rumors, Foster made a stunning declaration: he’d turn down massive NIL deals just to stay loyal to the Duke Blue Devils. It went further, teasing that head coach Jon Scheyer’s response left the entire fanbase stunned.

Thousands of shares and emotional reactions followed — but the truth is far less dramatic. This story is completely unfounded, another classic case of online clickbait with no basis in reality.

As of January 2026, there are no active transfer portal rumors involving Caleb Foster. The 6-foot-5 guard from Harrisburg, North Carolina, is firmly committed to Duke for his junior season, thriving on the court and showing no signs of discontent.

Reliable sources like ESPN, Duke’s official athletics site, and major outlets such as The Athletic and 247Sports confirm zero speculation about Foster entering the portal or chasing bigger NIL opportunities elsewhere.

The post in question follows a familiar pattern of fabricated “breaking” college basketball drama. It preys on the chaotic nature of the transfer portal era and NIL landscape, where players frequently chase better deals or playing time.

Phrases like “stunning declaration” and “left the fanbase completely stunned” are engineered to spark shares and outrage.

Similar hoaxes have targeted other Duke players in recent years, but this one lacks even a shred of evidence — no quotes from Foster, no comments from Scheyer, and no reports from credible insiders.

In reality, Foster’s story is one of loyalty and growth, not portal drama. He already made his big decision last spring, announcing in April 2025 that he’d return to Durham for the 2025-26 season despite a challenging sophomore year.

At that time, some analysts speculated he might test the portal after losing his starting spot, but Foster chose to stay, embracing the grind under Scheyer.

Caleb Foster’s Journey: From Bench Role to Key Contributor

Foster arrived at Duke as a five-star recruit in the class of 2023, ranked as a top-25 national prospect and elite shooter. His freshman season showed flashes of brilliance — including an 18-point explosion against Michigan State — before a late ankle injury cut it short.

As a sophomore in 2024-25, he started the first seven games but transitioned to a reserve role as veterans like Sion James emerged.

Rather than bolt for easier minutes elsewhere, Foster doubled down. “This isn’t how we thought the season would go for him,” Scheyer said in March 2025.

“You can make excuses or keep doubling down on the process.” Foster did the latter, delivering clutch performances late in the year, including impactful minutes in the NCAA Tournament.

That perseverance has paid off big in 2025-26. Through early January, Foster has been a steady force for the No. 6-ranked Blue Devils (14-1, 3-0 ACC). He exploded for a career-high 20 points, plus four rebounds and three assists, in a comeback win over No.

20 Louisville on January 6 — part of a trio of 20-point scorers alongside Cameron Boozer (27) and Isaiah Evans (23). Analysts praise his two-way play: tenacious defense, improved off-ball movement, and growing confidence as a facilitator sharing point guard duties with freshman Cayden Boozer.

Scheyer has repeatedly lauded Foster’s maturity.

In preseason comments, he highlighted Foster’s leadership as the team’s most experienced returner: “What Caleb has done doesn’t really happen anymore in college basketball.” The coach emphasized Foster’s growth in “the 98%” — impacting games without the ball — noting practices where Foster dished nine assists with zero turnovers.

In an era where the transfer portal sees thousands of moves annually and NIL deals can reach seven figures, players staying put through adversity is rare. Duke lost several scholarship players to the portal or NBA after recent seasons, but Foster’s commitment helped stabilize the roster.

The Blue Devils retained key pieces like Isaiah Evans, Maliq Brown, and Patrick Ngongba II, blending them with a top-ranked freshman class featuring the Boozer twins, Dame Sarr, and Nikolas Khamanenia.

Foster’s NIL value is solid — estimated in the mid-six figures through endorsements and collectives — but he’s never publicly chased bigger bags. Instead, he’s focused on development in Scheyer’s system, eyeing a deep tournament run and NBA future.

Projections have him as a potential second-round pick in 2027 if he continues progressing.

With Foster anchoring the backcourt, Duke looks loaded for a national title push. Early wins include blowouts and ranked victories, showcasing depth and versatility. Upcoming tests against SMU and beyond will reveal more, but Foster’s emergence as a reliable scorer and defender addresses questions from last year’s roster reset.

Hoaxes like this one highlight the pitfalls of social media in college sports. They generate unnecessary anxiety for fans and families while detracting from real stories — like Foster’s genuine resilience and on-court contributions.

Duke Nation can relax: Caleb Foster isn’t going anywhere. He’s all-in on the Blue Devils, turning down the portal noise (real or imagined) to chase rings in Durham. As the season heats up, expect more career nights from the junior guard who’s proving loyalty still matters.

Stay skeptical of unsourced “breaking” posts. The real drama is on the court — and right now, it’s all positive for Caleb Foster and Duke.