Duke University’s football program is gearing up for the 2026 season, a campaign that promises to be defined by both opportunity and uncertainty.
The Blue Devils rode a historic 2025 run to the ACC Championship, a triumph that elevated expectations and spotlighted the quarterback position as the centerpiece of the offense.
The departure of a star signal
Darian Mensah, who topped the ACC in passing yards and touchdowns last year, surprised coaches and fans alike when he entered the transfer portal. The move sent ripples through the roster and forced the coaching staff to rethink its plans at the game‑changing spot.
Legal complications briefly surfaced when Duke filed a lawsuit alleging a breach of Mensah’s name, image and likeness agreement. After weeks of negotiation, the matter was resolved, allowing the program to move forward without the distraction of ongoing litigation.
Who will lead the offense
Walker Eget, a transfer from San Jose State, has been named the early favorite to start under center. Though he brings a fresh perspective and a strong work ethic, his résumé lacks experience at the Power Four level, raising questions about his readiness for the faster, more physical competition in the ACC.
Redshirt freshman Dan Mahan is viewed as the most likely challenger. Mahan redshirted the 2025 season and enters 2026 as a developmental talent who has already drawn praise for his dual‑threat capabilities. He was ranked No. 51 among quarterbacks in the 2025 Composite Rankings and has shown flashes of playmaking ability during practice sessions.
Coach Manny Diaz has emphasized that the competition for the starting role is more open than in any previous year of his tenure. The increased depth at the position, he argues, will push both Eget and Mahan to elevate their games and will ultimately benefit the team’s overall performance.
Beyond the quarterback carousel, the squad remains anchored by a strong supporting cast and a schedule that includes matchups against traditional rivals. The chemistry developing among the offensive line, receivers and running backs will be crucial as the team seeks to translate its early promise into consistent wins.
Fans and analysts alike are watching the preseason practices closely, aware that the answers to many of these questions will emerge only when the lights turn on for the season opener. One thing is certain: Duke’s football narrative is entering a pivotal chapter, and the resolution of the quarterback battle will set the tone for what follows.