High‑Profile Transfers Set the Stage for Duke’s Season
The Blue Devils open their regular season on September 5 when they travel to face Tulane, marking the start of a highly anticipated campaign.
Head coach Manny Diaz and his staff have been busy in the transfer portal, bringing in a wave of experienced talent that could reshape the roster.
Among the most notable arrivals is quarterback Walker Eget, who will take over the starting role from Darian Mensah and is expected to lead the offense.
Eget arrives with a name, image and likeness valuation of $2,052,000 and a career résumé that includes 5,555 passing yards at San Jose State, giving the program a marquee asset.
Wide receiver Jared Richardson, a top target from the portal, brings 80 receptions and 1,033 receiving yards from the 2025 season, along with a $877,800 NIL valuation and First Team FCS Football Central All‑American honors.
Richardson’s addition is being hailed as a potential game‑changer for the receiving corps, providing a proven deep‑threat option.
Safety Patrick Smith‑Young, a transfer from North Texas, contributed 73 tackles and three pass deflections last year and carries a $491,624 NIL valuation, positioning him to compete for a starting spot immediately.
Defensive tackle Owen Wafle, a former four‑star recruit who has suited up at Michigan and Penn State, joins the defensive line with a $374,818 NIL valuation and is expected to anchor the front.
The influx of talent with six‑figure NIL values underscores the growing impact of the transfer portal on college football, and the Blue Devils hope these additions will translate into on‑field success within the ACC.