Duke Football Announces 2026 Week 1 Starting Quarterback

The Duke Blue Devils have had several intriguing position battles across the roster to monitor throughout camp.

However, none has been more pressing than the quarterback battle between two unproven guys. Head coach Manny Diaz and his staff have officially made a decision.

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

Duke Names Walker Eget Week 1 Starting Quarterback

The Blue Devils have named San Jose State transfer quarterback Walker Eget as their starter for their Week 1 matchup against Tulane on Sept. 5. This was the expected result for the staff, but it is notable nonetheless.

Eget was battling with redshirt freshman Dan Mahan for the starting quarterback spot throughout camp. It was interesting to monitor, given that the two had completely different resumes.

Sep 6, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; San Jose State Spartans quarterback Walker Eget (5) passes the ball during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Eget has two years of Division I starting experience with the Spartans, tallying over 5,000 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in that span. Mahan had never taken a snap in a game but presented lots of dual-threat intrigue.

Eget's health as the regular season approaches is still something to monitor, but it seems his previous starting experience gave him an edge in earning the starting job. There wasn't much buzz throughout camp about a potential leader in the battle, but a decision has now been made.

Sep 27, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans quarterback Walker Eget (5) runs from Stanford Cardinal linebacker Zach Johnson (38) during the third quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Walker Eget Has Big Shoes To Fill

Eget was generally expected to earn the starting job, but Diaz noted at the start of fall camp that it was an open competition and it could be a while before the team ultimately named a starter.

"If it's an hour before kickoff, that'd be great. If it's anything earlier than that, that'll be great too. But we have to see and we just have to get through this training camp," Diaz said early in camp when asked about a potential timeline for deciding the team's starter.

Nov 29, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans quarterback Walker Eget (5) throws against the Stanford Cardinal in the fourth quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Eget has the starting experience and a lot of intriguing elements to his game, but he still has some pretty big shoes to fill for the Blue Devils.

Eget will take over for former star quarterback Darian Mensah, who transferred to Miami this offseason after leading Duke to the ACC crown. Mensah was arguably the best QB in the ACC in 2025, leading the league in passing yards (3,973) and passing touchdowns (34) while throwing just six interceptions.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) celebrates after the Blue Devils score a touchdown in overtime during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With Mensah now gone and the Duke offense raising a ton of questions, Eget will be tasked with coming in and keeping the program afloat on the offensive side of the ball.

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