Manny Diaz enters his third season at Duke after a 9-5 campaign and an ACC Championship in 2025. The Blue Devils have a new quarterback after Darian Mensah’s departure, with San José State transfer Walker Eget taking over as the starter. Nate Sheppard returns at running back after rushing for 1,132 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, averaging nearly 81 yards per game. Duke must replace its top three receivers, while Penn transfer Jared Richardson joins the receiving corps. Jeremiah Hasley returns at tight end, while Louisville transfer Nate Kurisky joins the group. The offensive line returns Jordan Larsen and Matt Craycraft, both of whom started all 14 games last season, while Coastal Carolina transfer Nick Del Grande and California transfer Braden Miller join the group.

Jonathan Patke takes over as defensive coordinator, bringing change to a unit that returns four of its top eleven tacklers from last season. Those returnees are linebackers Luke Mergott and Kendall Johnson and defensive backs DaShawn Stone and Landan Callahan. The defensive line will feature several new starters, with Tyshon Reed the only projected starter in the group who has previously started at the Power Conference level.

Gabe Infante returns as special teams coordinator. Cosme Salas takes over at placekicker. Update (Oct. 13): K Cosme Salas is listed as out for the remainder of the 2026 season with an undisclosed injury, leaving Duke to rely on another option at placekicker. Kade Reynoldson returns at punter. Jayden Moore will handle the primary kickoff- and punt-return duties in 2026.

With turnover at quarterback and receiver, new contributors on the defensive front, and a new defensive coordinator, Duke enters the season looking to settle in quickly. The loss of Salas also creates an additional adjustment on special teams.