Jared Feinberg

Joined: Oct 24, 2025

Jared Feinberg, a native of western North Carolina, has written about NFL football for nearly a decade. He has contributed to several national outlets and is now part of our On SI team as an NFL team reporter. Jared graduated from UNC Asheville with a bachelor's degree in mass communications and later pursued his master's degree at UNC Charlotte. You can follow Jared Feinberg on Twitter at @JRodNFLDraft

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard (20) tries to outrun Virginia Cavaliers safety Devin Neal (27) during the second half during the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Nov 1, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils tight end Jeremiah Hasley (85) celebrates after a two-point conversion during the NCAA football game against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alex Martin-Imagn Images

Nov 30, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz leads his team onto the field against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Manny Diaz, head football coach at Duke, shouts during the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl against Arizona State at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils tight end Jeremiah Hasley (85) celebrates a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

These matchups could be the deciders for Duke football during the upcoming season.

Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz watches from the sideline as they take on the UConn Huskies at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

It's important to know which are the biggest weaknesses for Duke football ahead of the 2026 season. Let's look at what those are for the Blue Devils.

Sep 27, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard (20) carries the ball in the second quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Duke football must identify their key strengths on both sides of the ball head of a crucial 2026 season.

Nov 2, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz watches from the sideline against the Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Duke football remains in the minds of college football fans thanks to Diaz. Can he keep them relevant in 2026 after a chaotic offseason?

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz celebrates defeating the Virginia Cavaliers at the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Duke Blue Devils faithful should be hopeful that some of these scenarios play out in 2026.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils linebacker Luke Mergott (34) intercepts a pass intended for Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Eli Wood (82) as Duke Blue Devils cornerback Chandler Rivers (0) helps defend to end the game in overtime during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Blue Devils will be under the Friday night lights at a critical point of the season.

Sep 6, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz reacts during the third quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Let's make some predictions for the Blue Devils ahead of summer break as the 2026 roster comes into clearer vision.

Aug 28, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz reacts during the warmups before the game against the Elon Phoenix at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

The Blue Devils need speed in their offense this season. Javen Nicholas is the man to do it heading into 2026.

Sep 6, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz during the fourth quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

A strong start from the Blue Devils could help build momentum into ACC play.

Oct 18, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Brock Glenn (11) ruins with the ball but is tackled by Duke Blue Devils safety Terry Moore (1) during the first half of the game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Replacing a star safety won’t be easy for the Duke Blue Devils this season. Let’s look at how they can replace him.

Sep 20, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils defensive end Kevin O'Connor (15) celebrates a NC State Wolfpack penalty during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

The losses of two NFL-caliber pass rushers leave major questions at the position.

Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Sahmir Hagans (2) returns a kickoff for a touchdown Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.

Duke’s biggest problem on the schedule may not be the Hurricanes, but a team that once dominated the ACC.

Jared Feinberg

Joined: Oct 24, 2025

Where Duke's Nate Sheppard Ranks Amongst Top ACC Running Backs

Where Duke's Hasley Ranks Amongst ACCs Top Tight Ends

Identifying X-Factors for Duke Football in 2026

4 Glaring Flaws Duke Must Fix To Optimize Brand-New Offense

Duke Football's 2026 Season Comes Down to These 3 Matchups

The Weaknesses That Could Derail Duke Football in 2026

Duke Football's Biggest Strengths in 2026 Are Impossible to Ignore

Why Diaz Can Do More With Less for Duke Again

Three Best-Case Scenarios for 2026 Duke Football

Friday Night ACC Title Rematch Could Be Duke’s Biggest Test

Predicting Duke's 2026 Football Schedule Results Heading Into Summer

Duke’s Javen Nicholas Adds Exciting Element to 2026 Offense

Duke Football Must Start Strong To Stay Ahead in ACC

How Duke Football Can Replace Loss of Terry Moore

Defensive Ends Remain Duke's Biggest Question on Roster

Duke’s Toughest Opponent May Actually Not Be the Hurricanes