5 Duke Football Players Who Could Emerge As Stars After Camp

Fall camp brings on many surprises, including players who emerge as stars of the program. Here are a handful of Duke Blue Devils who could become standouts after camp.

Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz high-fives players Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game against the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Fall camp is in full swing for the Duke Blue Devils as the program faces mixed expectations after winning the ACC Championship and a chaotic offseason that featured major departures and new arrivals.

Head coach Manny Diaz is getting his first look at his 2026 program. By the looks of it, the strength of this year's Duke squad will be back on defense, Diaz's specialty. This is the focus of the five Blue Devils who could become stars after camp.

Jul 17, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke head coach Manny Diaz talks with the media during interviews at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bariate Kara, Defensive Lineman

One of the handful of 4-star recruits from Duke's 2025 recruiting class, Kara has the upside to be a force in the trenches with his incredible size, added weight, and brute power at the point of attack. He only took three snaps as a freshman, preserving his redshirt, but the ability is there to become a much more impactful defensive lineman in his first full season on the field.

Best case, Kara emerges from fall camp as one of the biggest risers within the program, becoming a star this fall.

Sep 24, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; A general view of a Duke Blue Devils helmet against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half of the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

Kyon Loud, Cornerback

I believe there is some talent at cornerback who could surpass the incumbents, Kimari Robinson and Landon Callahan. One of those players is Loud, a former standout at FCS Montana.

It is quite the climate transition from a rising program in the Big Sky to the rapidly changing environment in Durham and the ACC. Loud has the potential to showcase high-end closing speed and aggression at the catch point, which could allow him to come out of camp as a standout defender.

Sep 27, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz on the sidelines in the second quarter game against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jaivon Solomon, Wide Receiver

Throughout the spring, Jaivon Solomon emerged as one of the fiercest competitors for the Z wide receiver role as transfers Jared Richardson (Penn, X) and Javen Nicholas (Charlotte, slot) solidified their roles. The redshirt freshman entered fall camp in the same situation, only this time having a chance to secure his spot as a starter for the Blue Devils' offense.

This summer, Duke may find that Solomon is the heir apparent to the departed Cooper Barkate, making the skill positions a fascinating group out of camp.

Nov 30, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils defensive tackle Preston Watson (95) tries to elude Wake Forest Demon Deacons offensive lineman Erik Russell (72) during the first half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Owen Wafle, Defensive Tackle

For the first time in his collegiate career, Wafle will finally earn an opportunity to start for a Power Four program after swings and misses at Penn State and Michigan. The talented former 4-star recruit will be paired with Preston Watson in the interior, but the summer opens the door for a significant impact right away. A strong fall camp could allow Wafle to emerge as one of the team's top players early this season.

Nov 1, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils linebacker Luke Mergott (34) and Duke Blue Devils linebacker Kendall Johnson (42) tackle Clemson Tigers tight end Olsen Patt-Henry (11) during the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alex Martin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kendall Johnson, Linebacker

With program standout Luke Mergott and veteran Nick Morris Jr. starting at linebacker, Johnson will have to fight to earn playing time and a potential starting role. Fall camp presents that opportunity for a flashy run defender such as Johnson, who has the athleticism and range to play sideline to sideline. This presents Duke with a deep linebacker core, and Johnson may become one of the most important defenders down the stretch.