What Duke Football's Second Scrimmage Said About 2026 Season

Here are a couple of overall takeaways from Duke's second scrimmage.

Aug 28, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Jayden Moore (8) runs with the ball after his catch against the Elon Phoenix during the first half at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Duke football program had its second scrimmage over the weekend as it concluded its 2026 fall training camp.

Duke has been one of the more intriguing teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference to follow throughout the summer, simply because so much is unknown. Several position groups felt vastly undecided heading into camp, with new and inexperienced players who will likely be asked to step into bigger roles.

Nov 15, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Trell Harris (11) runs the ball against Duke Blue Devils defensive end Tyshon Reed (10) during the third quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Nonetheless, head coach Manny Diaz has been incredibly successful over two seasons in Durham, and given that he has maximized the talent on his roster in both years, there's no reason to think he can't do it once again.

Although this might be the most challenging task for Diaz and Co. yet, there is a lot of potential on this team. Here are two overall takeaways from the Blue Devils' second scrimmage.

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

Duke's Offense May Have Questions, but There Is Potential

At several different positions on the offensive side of the ball, Duke has many questions. After losing its top three wide receivers last season, that room is practically entirely brand new. Additionally, San Jose State transfer Walker Eget and redshirt freshman Dan Mahan are still in the midst of a battle for the starting quarterback spot.

In the team's second scrimmage, both the passing and rushing attacks showed promise. Five different players notched multiple receptions, with tight end Jeremiah Hasley leading the way, hauling in six catches for 55 yards.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils tight end Jeremiah Hasley (85) celebrates a touchdown in the first quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Additionally, sophomore Nate Sheppard led the run game with seven carries for 54 yards, followed by freshman Jayvian Tanelus with eight carries for 38 yards and Rutgers transfer CJ Campbell with seven rushes for 35 yards.

From a personnel standpoint, there is a lot to be decided. Nonetheless, the Blue Devils have options on the offensive side of the ball.

Aug 28, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils linebacker Kendall Johnson (42) stops the run by Elon Phoenix quarterback Landen Clark (11) during the first half at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Duke Looks Well-Rounded Defensively

From a front-seven perspective, there is a lot of promise that Duke can get back to 2024 form, when it was maybe the most productive in the ACC. In the secondary, starting spots felt pretty wide open at the start of camp, but the Blue Devils were getting contributions everywhere in their second scrimmage.

The defense as a whole tallied four sacks and three tackles for loss. Kendall Johnson, Tyshon Reed, Jon Morris, and Andrew Pellicciotta all had a sack, while DaShawn Stone, David Anderson, and Tommy Rupley each notched a tackle for loss.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Trell Harris (11) attempts to catch the ball in the end zone as Duke Blue Devils cornerback Landan Callahan (21) and safety Dashawn Stone (8) defend in the fourth quarter during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Additionally, Duke inked five pass breakups, and 14 players had at least three tackles. The Blue Devils look ready to go on the defensive end.