Duke University’s football program entered the 2026 season with a secondary that lacks defined roles, a situation coach Manny Diaz openly labeled the team’s Achilles’ heel.
A shaky foundation
The departure of key contributors has left the defensive backfield thin. Cornerback Chandler Rivers, a standout who earned a spot on the Baltimore Ravens’ 2026 draft class, will be replaced, while safeties Caleb Weaver and Terry Moore are exiting the program; Moore missed the entire 2025 campaign after tearing his ACL.
In response, the Blue Devils have turned to the transfer portal, bringing in a mix of experienced voices. Dylan Flowers, who spent six seasons at Western Kentucky, arrives with 33 tackles and four pass breakups from 2025, while Patrick Smith‑Young, the former North Texas leader with 73 tackles last year, hopes to anchor the unit.
New faces and returning stalwarts
Kyon Loud, a transfer from Montana, overcame a injury‑marred 2025 that saw him miss eight games before returning for the FCS playoffs, adding depth at cornerback. Ché Ojarikre, previously at Stanford, logged a career‑high 30 tackles in 12 games last season and brings versatility to the mix.
Landan Callahan and Kimari Robinson are slated to start at cornerback, while DaShawn Stone returns as a starting safety. Freshman Andrew Pellicciotta, who appeared in more than four regular‑season games, is the highest‑rated of the holdovers and could see increased snaps.
A statement of intent
Coach Diaz described the secondary overhaul as a ‘statement of intent’ to fortify a position that has underperformed in recent years. The unit’s development will be closely watched as the Blue Devils open the season against Tulane on September 5, a matchup that could set the tone for the year.
Beyond the on‑field adjustments, the moves signal a broader ambition to rebuild a defense that has struggled with consistency. If the new pieces click, Duke could turn a historically weak secondary into a competitive force sooner than expected.