College football analyst David Pollack recently examined the Power Four conferences on his podcast, highlighting the athletes who could define the 2026 season. His focus fell on Duke’s evolving offense, where a new star appears ready to step into the spotlight.
The quarterback shuffle
Darian Mensah, who led Duke’s attack in recent years, has transferred to the Miami Hurricanes, leaving a void at the helm of the Blue Devils’ offense. The move reshapes the team’s dynamics and forces the coaching staff to look for fresh sources of production.
A tight end’s expanding role
Jeremiah Hasley, a 6‑foot‑3 redshirt senior, logged 454 yards and six touchdowns last season, serving as the primary safety valve for his quarterbacks. In college football, a tight end often becomes a quarterback’s most reliable outlet, delivering short‑to‑intermediate passes, converting crucial third‑down situations, and anchoring the red‑zone attack. If Hasley builds on his 2025 numbers, he could transform from a supporting piece into a household name.
Walker Eget is currently the favorite to start at quarterback for Duke, but the competition for the starting role remains open. The coaching staff’s decision will hinge on how quickly Eget can mesh with Hasley and the rest of the skill position group, as well as how the offense adapts to the loss of Mensah’s experience.
Looking ahead to 2026
The ACC race promises to be fiercely contested, and Duke’s ability to defend its championship will depend heavily on how effectively it can leverage Hasley’s size, route‑running, and blocking prowess. Should he exceed his previous production, the tight end could become the centerpiece of a balanced attack that aims to keep the Blue Devils at the top of the conference.