Duke Lands Talented Receiver Through Transfer Portal

Duke football head coach Manny Diaz and his staff dealt with arguably the most chaotic offseason of any club in all of college football.

First, star quarterback Darian Mensah announced he would enter the transfer portal just weeks after publicly announcing that he would return to the Blue Devils. Then, Duke's top receiver, Cooper Barkate, also hit the portal just a few days later.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) reacts after winning the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Both Mensah and Barkate ultimately committed to Miami.

Duke filed a lawsuit against Mensah for breaching the terms of the NIL deal signed by the two sides, but it was settled before it ever went to court. There are plenty of new faces on this new Blue Devils squad, as Diaz and Co. now have plenty of holes to fill.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) throws 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 | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

They've gotten off to a solid start with the portal, and now are landing a talented wide receiver from Idaho State.

Sep 2, 2023; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Jonah Burton (17) is tackled by Texas State Bobcats safety Tory Spears (12) during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Duke Lands WR Jonah Burton Out of Idaho State

The Duke football program has landed a commitment from wide receiver Jonah Burton, a 5' 10", 190-pound receiver out of Idaho State. Burton is ranked No. 528 among receivers in the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Rankings.

Burton began his collegiate career at Baylor, where he logged nine catches for 110 yards in 2023 before missing the entirety of the 2024 campaign. In 2025, he transferred to Idaho State, where Burton tallied 21 receptions for 233 yards.

Idaho State WR transfer Jonah Burton has committed to Duke, his reps @thebizofathlete tell @PeteNakos.

Former Baylor transfer caught 21 passes for 233 yards last season. https://t.co/kSYG7dYADj pic.twitter.com/pQBzghvalx
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) March 31, 2026

The junior started three games in 2023 and will have one year of eligibility remaining after having a medical waiver granted by the NCAA.

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 | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Duke WR Room Could Get Interesting

The Blue Devils lost a star in Barkate, who finished second in the ACC in receiving yards (1,106) and receiving touchdowns (7) in 2025. In addition to Burton, Diaz and Co. are bringing in two receivers who both have a chance to replace that production.

First, there's Javen Nicholas from Charlotte. Nicholas transferred to the 49ers ahead of the 2025 campaign after spending two years at LSU, primarily as a special-teamer.

Nicholas logged 60 receptions for 740 yards and five touchdowns in 2025.

In addition, Duke is bringing in 6' 2", 215-pound Jared Richardson from Penn. As an All-American in 2025, Richardson tallied 80 catches for 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the Ivy League in receptions and receiving touchdowns.

New @DukeFOOTBALL WR Jared Richardson was our @PFSNcollege 2nd-highest-graded Ivy League WR in 2025 (8th overall).

He racked up a ridiculous 1,033 yards, 12 TD, and his 3.09 yards per route run were among the tops in the FCS.

Duke fans should LOVE him!pic.twitter.com/Ue7DmUlpXk
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) January 7, 2026

Diaz reloaded at the wide receiver spot after losing a few of his top targets, as the Blue Devils look to stay atop the ACC standings in 2026.