Duke’s opening preseason scrimmage for the 2026 season served as the first public test of a roster that is still being shaped by new transfers and returning standouts.
Wide receiver Jaivon Solomon seized a starting spot by catching three passes for 50 yards and two touchdowns, accounting for half of the team’s four receiving scores.
The secondary showed flashes of potential, forcing five pass breakups and securing two interceptions, though head coach Manny Diaz has yet to name any starter in that unit.
On the offensive side, coordinator Jonathan Brewer’s unit built on a 2025 season that placed the team second in the ACC for points per game (34.6) and total touchdowns, suggesting a potent attack ahead.
The quarterback competition remains unsettled, with Walker Eget and redshirt freshman Dan Mahan both given opportunities but neither emerging as a clear starter.
Running back depth also drew attention, as the ground game averaged 5.1 yards per carry, highlighted by contributions from Yale transfer Wilhelm Daal II.
At the bottom of the depth chart, the WR3 spot is still up for grabs, with youngsters Jaivon Solomon, Jamien Little and Jayden Moore all in the mix.
Key Takeaways
The scrimmage also underscored the upcoming season opener against Tulane on September 5, a game that will be the first real test of these early positional battles.