Duke’s football program entered the 2025 season as ACC champions, capping a 7‑5 campaign with a conference title that surprised many observers. The victory set high expectations for the following year, but the Blue Devils now face a daunting task as they prepare for the 2026 schedule.
A defensive overhaul
The defense that helped secure that championship has been stripped of several anchors. Defensive standouts such as Terry Moore and Chandler Rivers have departed, leaving sizable gaps in the front seven and secondary that the coaching staff must address before the next kickoff.
Rising star Landan Callahan
Among the returnees, redshirt sophomore Landan Callahan is poised to become a cornerstone of the revamped secondary. The former 3‑star recruit, who also competed in track and field at the high‑school level, earned Defensive MVP honors at the 2023 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and finished his freshman year with 42 tackles and two pass breakups.
New faces in the secondary
To reinforce the back end, Duke has added transfer cornerbacks Kyon Loud and Che Ojarikre, both of whom bring proven collegiate experience from programs on the East Coast. Their arrival is expected to complement Callahan’s growth and provide depth as the team integrates new talent.
Coaching strategy and expectations
Head coach Manny Diaz, who guided the 2025 championship run, has emphasized that the defense must improve on the 2025 metric of allowing the fourth‑most points per game in the ACC. He believes that disciplined play and the new additions will help the Blue Devils compete against traditional powerhouses like Clemson and Florida State.
If the secondary can gel early, Duke’s prospects could shift from rebuilding to contending, potentially positioning the program for another ACC title run. The next few months of practice and preseason exhibitions will reveal whether the pieces fit together in time for the season opener.