Biggest Takeaways From Duke Football's First Scrimmage

The Duke football program has a lot to figure out from a roster standpoint before it kicks off the regular season against Tulane on Sep. 5.

Head coach Manny Diaz and his staff have retooled a once-depleted roster, but with so many unproven guys at different positions, they will have to figure out which guys will be heavy contributors throughout fall 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

There are several significant position battles throughout the roster, and some groups feel wide open. Throughout camp, either newcomers or returners looking to step into bigger roles in 2026 will need to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.

Duke recently had its first scrimmage of fall camp. Let's break down the biggest takeaways.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz 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

Jaivon Solomon Separating Himself As WR3?

The Blue Devils' wide receiver room feels completely wide open right now. It's generally expected that Penn transfer Jared Richardson and Charlotte transfer Javen Nicholas will be the team's top two wideouts this fall, but the WR3 spot is totally up in the air.

Young returners Jaivon Solomon, Jayden Moore, and Jamien Little seem like the top candidates to earn the starting role, but all have promise. Solomon might have separated himself with his performance in the Blue Devils' first scrimmage.

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

Solomon caught three passes for 50 yards and two touchdowns. The offense as a whole combined for four receiving touchdowns, with Solomon credited with two of them.

Moore is the only receiver among the aforementioned trio to have caught a pass in a game in 2025, but Solomon might have just made a push to start.

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

Bryce Davis Poised for Breakout Season

True sophomore defensive lineman Bryce Davis is Duke's highest-rated recruit in program history, according to 247Sports. He operated in a reserve role as a rookie, tallying 10 total tackles and a pass deflection.

Expected to be a full-time starter come Week 1, Davis is in line for a major breakout campaign in the trenches. In Duke's first scrimmage, he was dominant, carding two sacks for losses of seven and six yards, respectively.

The Blue Devils' pass rush presents a lot of intrigue, but Davis will be a leader of that unit.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard (20) is brought down by safety Devin Neal (27) and defensive back Donavon Platt (28) 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

Duke's Running Back Room Is Deep

The Blue Devils will likely need to lean on their run game in 2026, led by arguably the team's best overall player, Nate Sheppard. However, the RB room's depth could be a major strength.

In the team's first scrimmage, seven different backs saw at least six carries. Yale transfer Wilhelm Daal II led the way with 12 carries for 62 yards, followed by Rutgers transfer CJ Campbell with eight carries for 41 yards, and Sheppard with eight carries for 37 yards.

3-star freshmen Jayvian Tanelus and CJ Givers went for eight carries for 48 yards and six carries for 25 yards, respectively.

Watch Our Latest Podcast

Add us as a preferred source on Google