What Duke Football's Second Scrimmage Could Reveal

The Duke football program will have its second scrimmage of fall training camp this weekend.

The Blue Devils' first scrimmage featured some interesting storylines about which guys are potentially making a move up the depth chart, fighting for a starting spot, or showing early signs of a potential breakout season in Durham.

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

For head coach Manny Diaz and his staff, there is still plenty to figure out over the next couple of weeks before Duke kicks its regular season off on Sep. 5 against Tulane.

Arguably the most intriguing position battle of the preseason is at the quarterback spot, where San Jose State transfer Walker Eget and redshirt freshman Dan Mahan are in a duel for the starting QB role.

The Blue Devils' second scrimmage could potentially create a leader.

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

Could Eget or Mahan Emerge at Duke's Second Scrimmage?

In Diaz's latest press conference earlier this week, it didn't seem like either Eget or Mahan had created much separation, and it could be a while before the team ultimately decides who its starting quarterback will be.

"You know, we're not even considering the separation aspect of it," Diaz said. "We're looking at Walker [Eget] and Dan [Mahan] and, are they able to move the football and execute in our offense? They certainly both have slightly differing skill sets, and, you know, now you have a chance to, maybe this week, really try to highlight each of their strengths."

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

"But, I think the team believes in both guys and I think they both have enough evidence of what they've done in the first 11 practices to show that they can quarterback the team. What it's going to come down to as we get to the weekend, again, is who can eliminate the negative plays. The decisions that really have a chance to impact winning and losing."

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

Time Running Out

Now, it's not like whichever quarterback Diaz and Co. ultimately decide to start in Week 1 against the Green Wave has to be the starter for the entire year, but it's an interesting dynamic to break down the battle between two guys with very different stories.

Eget has two seasons of starting experience with the Spartans, accumulating over 5,000 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. However, he has never done it at the Power Conference level. On the flip side, Mahan possesses dual-threat ability and some promise, but he's never seen any in-game action.

This weekend's scrimmage could potentially create a leader in the clubhouse.

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