
Blue Devils Aim to Defend ACC Crown in 2026
Duke’s football program looks to repeat its 2025 ACC championship as a blend of seasoned leaders and promising newcomers prepares for the upcoming season.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Luke Mergott across Football.

Duke’s football program looks to repeat its 2025 ACC championship as a blend of seasoned leaders and promising newcomers prepares for the upcoming season.
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 Eagles travel to face the Blue Devils on Halloween, seeking to extend a narrow series edge while Duke rebuilds after a championship year. Key departures and emerging talents will shape the contest.

After a season marked by injuries, Duke’s coaching staff is counting on a blend of returning starters, experienced transfers and promising newcomers to restore depth and competitiveness on defense.

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.

With fall camp opening, Duke’s coaching staff and fans watch closely as newcomers like Bryce Davis, Javen Nicholas, Andrew Pellicciotta and Kendall Johnson battle for starting roles.

Clemson University is set to kick off its 2026 football season with a series of media appearances, including ACC Media Days in Charlotte and a season‑opening showdown against LSU in Baton Rouge.
The new season begins with a historic matchup between North Carolina and TCU in Ireland, setting the stage for a competitive ACC race and highlighting dozens of players to watch.
Darian Mensah opened up about his winding path through college football, the role of Miami’s rising quarterbacks in his transfer decision, and the upcoming season opener against Tulane.

At the ACC Football Kickoff, Darian Mensah detailed his journey from Tulane to Duke, a settlement with his former school and his new chapter at Miami, while previewing the upcoming season.

Ranking the 2026 position groups, the Blue Devils showcase a dominant linebacker unit, a promising receiving corps, and key question marks at quarterback and defensive backs.

The Blue Devils enter 2026 with modest expectations after losing star players, but a strong defense led by sophomore linebacker Elliott Schaper offers a realistic path to repeat as ACC champions.

Despite entering 2026 as ACC champions, the Duke Blue Devils face significant losses on both sides of the ball, prompting a critical evaluation of their defensive outlook and the emergence of new talent.

The Duke Blue Devils open their season at home against the Tulane Green Wave, a matchup that highlights both the excitement of defending champions and the uncertainty surrounding a reshaped roster.

Duke’s 2026 top‑30 player countdown spotlights linebacker Bradley Gompers, whose emergence coincides with the loss of quarterback Darian Mensah and a reshaped defensive scheme.

A preview of the 2026 Duke‑Miami football clash, highlighting the recruiting twist, offensive uncertainty for Duke, and Miami's pursuit of favorable CFP seeding.

As Duke prepares for the 2026 campaign, a countdown of its top 30 players reveals a defense anchored by linebacker Nick Morris Jr. and safety Luke Mergott, while head coach Manny Diaz looks to extend his flawless season record.

Duke football aims to defend its ACC title in 2026, relying on new starters, key transfers and a deep roster to meet the challenges ahead.
An overview of Duke’s four‑year resurgence, key coaches, returning stars and the challenges that lie ahead as the program seeks to become a consistent contender.

Duke University’s football program is turning its attention to a defensive overhaul as the 2026 season approaches. Head coach Manny Diaz and his staff have been busy in the transfer portal, seeking to replace the talent that departed for the NFL Draft and other programs. Among the returning pieces is redshirt junior linebacker Kendall Johnson, who has battled injuries but is now viewed as a cornerstone of the front seven. Coaches describe Johnson as an established veteran within the program, noting his 3‑star high school rating and the promise he has shown despite setbacks. The Blue Devils’ offensive unit is expected to take a step back, meaning the defense will carry a larger share of the workload if the team hopes to replicate the nine‑win campaign it enjoyed in 2024. With a deep linebacker corps and a revamped secondary, Duke believes the rebuilt defense can once again be the engine that drives success on the field.

A look at the standout players from across the Atlantic Coast Conference who have been named to the Walter Camp, Phil Steele and Lott IMPACT Trophy watch lists for the upcoming college football season.

The Blue Devils' preseason buzz centers on five players — Nate Sheppard, Jeremiah Hasley, Nick Del Grande, Luke Mergott and Javen Nicholas — each highlighted by a single word that captures their role and promise.

The first player ratings for EA Sports' College Football 27 highlight a potent offense led by a 90‑overall running back, while the defense features experienced linebackers and promising secondary pieces.