A New Chapter for the Blue Devils
The Blue Devils closed out 2025 with a 9‑5 record that featured an ACC title and a Sun Bowl win, marking a turnaround that has set high expectations for the coming year.
The 2026 slate begins on September 5 at home against Tulane, a program that reached the College Football Playoff a year ago but will be led by a new coaching staff after Jon Sumrall’s departure.
Miami looms as the toughest test on the schedule, not only because of a 16‑5 all‑time series advantage but also because the Hurricanes will field former Duke quarterback Darian Mensah, adding a personal storyline to the matchup.
Virginia follows as the second‑most challenging opponent, holding a 42‑35 edge in the series, while the Blue Devils hope to extend their recent dominance against the Cavaliers.
A third straight victory over Clemson is a stated goal, even as Georgia Tech has won the last five meetings in Atlanta, the last of which came in 2018.
Duke also confronts Illinois, a team that posted a 45‑19 win in 2025, and North Carolina, where a daring fake field goal helped secure a 32‑25 triumph last season.
The non‑conference portion includes a clash with Wake Forest, a nine‑win side under Jake Dickert, and a trip to Stanford, where the Cardinals have held a slight edge historically.
Boston College arrives with a 2‑10 record and a completely revamped roster, while the lone FCS opponent, William & Mary, provides a different kind of challenge early in the season.
Among the emerging players, quarterback Luke Altmyer and defensive back CJ Bailey are expected to see increased snaps, while wide receiver Hollywood Smothers and linebacker Todd Pelino are among the newcomers looking to make an impact.
The program also benefits from the experience of head coach Manny Diaz and veteran assistant Bobby Petrino, whose combined leadership aims to sustain the momentum built last year.
Beyond the on‑field action, the ACC’s partnership with the American Athletic Conference shapes conference dynamics and television exposure, a relationship that could influence scheduling and revenue.