
Duke Blue Devils Aim to Defend ACC Crown Amid Rebuilding Challenges
After a historic ACC championship, the Blue Devils face turnover but lean on returning veterans and a culture of toughness to chase another title.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Durham across Football, Basketball, Soccer.

After a historic ACC championship, the Blue Devils face turnover but lean on returning veterans and a culture of toughness to chase another title.

In a recent visit captured for Duke’s promotional series, alumnus Jared McCain reconnects with the program that shaped his career, sharing memories and mentoring the next generation.
Duke's tight end corps, featuring preseason All‑ACC selection Jeremiah Hasley, Louisville transfer Nate Kurisky and returning veteran Jake Taylor, is focused on a blocking‑centric philosophy that could make the offense unstoppable.
Duke's linebacker unit, depleted by injuries in 2025, is now bolstered by returning veterans, breakout players, and a promising freshman class ahead of the season opener against Tulane.
The Gamecocks open the season against Alabama on Dec. 31, meet LSU in a marquee February clash, and return to Colonial Life Arena for a showdown with Texas, while non‑conference games stretch from Paris to Las Vegas.

A look at Amaker’s journey from Duke’s court to Harvard’s bench, the Brotherhood Runs series, and the significance of his homecoming

Duke’s women’s soccer team is ranked third nationally in the United Soccer Coaches preseason Top 25, marking the fourth top‑five placement in five seasons. The ACC boasts four of the top five spots, and Duke will test its mettle against Wake Forest and Carolina Ascent FC in early August matches that are open to the public.

The Atlantic Coast Conference has named the University of Notre Dame as the preseason favorite to win the 2026 women's soccer championship, highlighting a trio of Irish players who received preseason All-ACC recognition.

The ACC has announced its preseason All‑ACC women's soccer team, highlighting Duke’s standout attackers and defenders. Both players bring impressive stats and academic accolades, while the program prepares for a slate of high‑profile matches.
The University of Rhode Island’s football program has cemented its place among the nation’s elite, landing at No. 7 in the latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll as the Rams gear up for another shot at the Coastal Athletic Association crown.

Duke's 2026‑27 roster combines returning scorers, key transfers and a highly touted recruiting class, positioning the Blue Devils as a top‑two contender in the AP Poll and a favorite for the national title.

Kansas must replace All‑Big 12 First Teamer Flory Bidunga, and the health of transfer Christian Reeves and the eligibility of Mihailo Mušikić leave sophomore Paul Mbiya as the primary candidate to anchor the paint.

With the 2026 campaign approaching, Duke evaluates its receiving corps after losing three top targets, while Penn transfer Richardson and Charlotte’s Javen Nicholas vie for the WR1 role.

Duke’s men’s and women’s soccer programs have partnered with Duke Children’s and the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program to create Kicks for Kids, a season‑long initiative that converts game statistics into donations for therapy dog visits.

Duke enters the 2026 campaign with modest expectations, bolstered by the arrivals of defensive end Bryce Davis and defensive tackle Owen Wafle, who bring high‑profile pedigrees and the chance to reshape the team's front.

The Wildcats will open the 2026 campaign on the road, face several 2025 NCAA Tournament opponents, and conclude the regular season with a home stretch before the America East Championship in November.

North Carolina’s 3-1 win in the inaugural matchup fuels anticipation for the upcoming exhibition, promising another exciting showdown at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Duke’s season opener against Tulane kicks off a campaign that hinges on the leadership of linebacker Luke Mergott and the experience of coach Manny Diaz.

Duke University’s football program prepares to face Boston College on Oct. 31, 2026, riding a 2025 ACC Championship and Sun Bowl win while adjusting to key player departures and a tougher slate of games.

Oluchi Okananwa, interim president of the United College Athletes Association, has spearheaded a groundbreaking petition to unionize college athletes, drawing support from peers across multiple sports and conferences.

North Carolina Central University begins fall drills with high hopes after a third‑place finish last season, aiming to translate early progress into a conference championship.

In his first season as head coach and offensive coordinator, Chris Hart is reshaping the Wolfpack’s roster, emphasizing elite pitching and balanced offense, and guiding the team through a pivotal fall schedule.

Duke's 2026 roster blends newcomers and returners, highlighted by high‑valued transfers whose name, image and likeness deals rank among the nation's largest.

Page Brown, a former standout athlete from Boothbay Region, has begun her coaching career as the varsity basketball coach for Freeport, leading the team to a Lobster Jam championship while balancing teaching duties and marathon training.