Duke football enters the 2025 campaign with a cloud of uncertainty after a wave of departures that saw cornerback Chandler Rivers, offensive tackle Brian Parker II, quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate leave for the NFL Draft or the transfer portal.
What remains, however, is a core group of playmakers who could provide the stability the Blue Devils need to turn skepticism into confidence.
At the heart of the offense is sophomore running back Nate Sheppard, who emerged as the team’s top player and primary workhorse in the previous season.
The Workhorse and His Partners
Sheppard’s blend of speed and vision has made him the focal point of Duke’s rushing attack, and his reliability is expected to anchor the ground game.
Complementing him is tight end Jeremiah Hasley, widely regarded as one of the premier tight ends on the roster, whose blocking prowess opened lanes for Sheppard and whose receiving ability stretches the field.
Adding depth at the same position is Nate Kurisky, a transfer from Louisville whose athleticism and knack for creating mismatches promise to amplify the offense’s versatility.
Regardless of whether Walker Eget or Dan Mahan ultimately wins the starting quarterback job, the offense is likely to lean heavily on the run and on tight‑end targets to sustain drives.
Head coach Manny Diaz, who has guided Duke through periods of transition, remains focused on rebuilding confidence, knowing that a strong showing could silence the critics who question the program’s trajectory.
The Blue Devils’ historical success under Diaz adds a layer of optimism, but the 2025 schedule will test whether the newly forged connections can translate into wins.