Duke’s head coach Manny Diaz, widely recognized for his defensive expertise, enters the 2026 season with a singular goal: to restore the Blue Devils’ once‑dominant defense.
A Defensive Crossroads
A year earlier, the team had tied the ACC lead with 43 sacks and topped the conference in forced fumbles, a performance that raised expectations for continued improvement.
Instead, the 2025 campaign saw the defense slip to 12th nationally in points allowed per game, a downturn that prompted the departure of several key players.
Portal Additions and New Faces
In response, Duke turned to the transfer portal, landing defensive lineman Owen Wafle, a former four‑star recruit who previously showcased his talent at Michigan and Penn State.
Wafle’s collegiate path included limited snap counts at his prior programs, but the move to Durham offers him a fresh opportunity to compete for a starting role.
Defensive coordinator Jonathan Patke, who will return for another year, is tasked with weaving the new additions into a cohesive unit as the offense undergoes its own changes.
With the defensive overhaul in place, the Blue Devils anticipate that a revitalized front will offset the shifts elsewhere, positioning them to contend for a stronger ACC finish.