2 Tactical Changes Duke Football Could Make in 2026

College football season is almost here.

We are just about two weeks away from the Duke football program opening its regular season on Sept. 5 against Tulane at Wallace Wade Stadium. As fall training camp has progressed, we have tried to project the Blue Devils' strengths and weaknesses for this season.

Duke is a pretty tough team to project heading into the year simply because there are so many young and unproven players on the roster. After a ton of key players departed following the 2025 campaign, head coach Manny Diaz and his staff have many new players to evaluate.

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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The offense felt a bit more up in the air than the defense heading into camp. There are still many personnel changes on defense, but several skill positions on offense have major questions.

However, fall camp showed some promise for the offensive unit. Here are two changes the Blue Devils could make following camp.

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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Several Running Backs in Rotation

It's no secret that sophomore Nate Sheppard will be the club's workhorse back in 2026. Sheppard burst onto the scene as a 3-star rookie in 2025, becoming one of the most productive RBs in the ACC. He heads into 2026 as possibly the best running back in college football who no one is talking about.

However, throughout the Blue Devils' two scrimmages, the running back room has shown depth that maybe wasn't clear before. Rutgers transfer CJ Campbell looks like a reliable complementary back with pass-catching ability, and 3-star freshmen CJ Givers and Jayvian Tanelus have put together productive performances in the two scrimmages.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard (20) celebrates a touchdown in the second quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In this past weekend's scrimmage, Tanelus had eight carries for 38 yards. He had eight carries for 48 yards in the team's first scrimmage.

Sheppard will still be the clear RB1 for Duke, but there could be three or four backs who see decently consistent time on the field.

Nov 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Jayden Moore (8) twists from a tackle by North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Gavin Gibson (5) during the first half at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rotation at the WR3 Spot

After losing its top three wide receivers from a season ago, Duke's wide receiver room was arguably the biggest question mark on the team heading into camp. It seems generally expected that the Blue Devils' top two wideouts in 2026 will be Penn transfer Jared Richardson and Charlotte transfer Javen Nicholas, but the WR3 spot felt wide open.

Young returners Jaivon Solomon, Jamien Little, and Jayden Moore seemed like the top contenders for the role, but it was hard to see a true favorite. However, throughout the regular season, the trio could become fairly interchangeable.

Aug 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte 49ers wide receiver Javen Nicholas (5) runs for yards after catch defended by Appalachian State Mountaineers defensive back Zyeir Gamble (5) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Solomon turned heads in Duke's first scrimmage, notching three catches for 50 yards and two touchdowns. However, in the team's second scrimmage, Little was productive, catching four passes for 22 yards.

Maybe one of the three young players gains some ground on the others, but Duke could use all three consistently in 2026.

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