3 Things We Learned From Duke Football Fall Camp

Duke football's 2026 training camp has revealed several storylines fans can carry into the 2026 regular season.

Head coach Manny Diaz and his staff might have their biggest challenge since Diaz took over the program in 2024. With so many unproven names across the roster, camp hopefully revealed some guys who separated themselves on the depth chart.

Sep 27, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans quarterback Walker Eget (5) throws the football during the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Several position groups had to be figured out upon entering camp, although some might not necessarily be completely set in stone even when the regular season arrives.

As of now, the Blue Devils have yet to announce a starting quarterback. Before that big decision, here are three big takeaways from training camp.

Jul 17, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke's running back Nate Sheppard talks with the media during interviews at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Running Back Room Looks Deep

Throughout the Blue Devils' first two scrimmages, the running back room has displayed depth and a solid unit behind star Nate Sheppard. In Duke's second scrimmage of camp this past weekend, that unit looked serviceable once again.

In the scrimmage, Sheppard led the way with seven carries for 54 yards. 3-star freshman Jayvian Tanelus added eight carries for 38 yards, and Rutgers transfer CJ Campbell notched seven carries for 35 yards.

Nov 1, 2024; Boca Raton, Florida, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls offensive lineman Jordan Church (54) blocks for quarterback Cam Fancher (1) as running back CJ Campbell Jr. (5) runs past during the second quarter against the South Florida Bulls at FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

This is the second solid scrimmage performance for Tanelus, and Campbell could be a very solid complementary back alongside Sheppard when the season rolls around.

Duke will probably have to lean on its run game early in the season, and the unit presents depth and talent.

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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Duke's Defense Could Get Back to 2024 Form

Diaz has said throughout camp that this season's defensive unit could return to 2024 form, when it was arguably the best in the ACC before taking a step back in 2025. Over the weekend, the defense tallied four sacks and three tackles for loss.

Kendall Johnson, Jon Morris, Tyshon Reed, and Andrew Pellicciotta notched a sack while five Blue Devils had a pass breakup. 14 players had at least three tackles in the scrimmage.

Nov 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Demon June (12) is wrapped by Duke Blue Devils defensive end Bryce Davis (14) during the first half at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

2026 could very well be another season where the Blue Devils are defense-led. At least until a new offense with new faces finds some consistency, Duke will need to be consistently effective defensively.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Dan Mahan (12) celebrates defeating the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When Will a Starting Quarterback Be Named?

There has still been little insight into when a starting quarterback could be named for the Blue Devils. San Jose State transfer Walker Eget and redshirt freshman Dan Mahan are currently battling for the role.

Diaz said at the beginning of camp that it could be a while before the team ultimately announces a starter, and as of now, it remains unclear whether either Eget or Mahan has potentially taken a lead in the bout.

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