Duke University has announced Walker Eget as the starter for the 2026 season, ending a competitive quarterback race that also featured redshirt freshman Dan Mahan.
Eget arrives from San Jose State, where he amassed more than 5,000 passing yards and 30 touchdowns over two seasons, but his tenure also included 19 interceptions that highlight both promise and risk.
The ACC Challenge
Transitioning to the Atlantic Coast Conference brings a new level of competition. The Blue Devils open the season against Illinois on September 12, providing an early test of Eget’s ability to adapt.
The 2025 campaign, which delivered a nine‑win season and an ACC title, establishes the benchmark by which Eget’s performance will be measured.
Supporting Cast and Coaching Context
Head coach Manny Diaz has said the quarterback decision was the most critical of several positional questions facing the program. While Eget’s two years of Division I starting experience exceed Mahan’s, the latter has yet to appear in a game, creating a contrast that the staff will monitor.
The program will gauge Eget’s readiness through the early schedule, beginning with the Illinois matchup.