Why Duke Football Poised To Make Another Bowl Run

Despite significant roster turnover, the Blue Devils have the pieces in place to compete in the ACC and return to a bowl game next season.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz celebrates defeating the Virginia Cavaliers at the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Duke football will look considerably different this season compared to the team that won the program's first ACC Championship a year ago. The roster turnover has been substantial, but head coach Manny Diaz has worked aggressively through the offseason to keep the Blue Devils competitive in a conference that will not be waiting for anyone to catch up.

The championship run itself remains one of the more remarkable stories in recent college football. Despite finishing the regular season with a 7-5 record, Diaz guided Duke to a victory over the 17th-ranked Virginia Cavaliers in the ACC Championship Game. The Blue Devils then carried that momentum into the Sun Bowl, where they defeated Arizona State, a program that had been competitive in the Big 12. It was a finish that validated everything Diaz has been building in Durham.

Nov 29, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz looks on against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the fourth quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

The offseason was one of the most turbulent in recent Duke football history. Wesley Williams, Chandler Rivers, and Brian Parker moved on to the NFL Draft, stripping the roster of three experienced contributors in a single cycle.

The situation at quarterback added another layer of uncertainty when Darian Mensah filed a legal dispute with the university over his request to enter the transfer portal. After both sides reached a settlement, Mensah was free to leave and ultimately chose Miami, a program that enters next season as the heavy favorite to win the ACC.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz reacts with defensive tackle Aaron Hall (99) 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 | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Diaz responded to those departures by entering the transfer portal to address the most pressing roster needs. Wide receiver Jared Richardson, offensive lineman Nick Del Grande, and quarterback Walker Eget all arrived through the portal and are expected to play significant roles next season.

With those additions in place, CBS Sports has included Duke in its way-too-early bowl predictions for next season, projecting the Blue Devils to face Vanderbilt in the Birmingham Bowl.

Why Duke Can Make It Back to a Bowl Game

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz lifts the ACC trophy with offensive lineman Justin Pickett (77) and defensive tackle Aaron Hall (99) after defeating the Virginia Cavaliers at the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Losing a starting quarterback and a top receiver in the same offseason would derail many programs. At Duke, the response has been swift and purposeful, and there are several reasons to believe the Blue Devils can remain relevant in the ACC this fall.

The first is coaching stability. Diaz retained both of his coordinators, ensuring that the offensive and defensive systems remain intact despite the personnel changes around them. He also added Trent Harris as defensive ends coach, a hire that brings both familiarity and credibility to the staff. Harris played under Diaz at Miami and has a deep understanding of the defensive scheme Diaz runs, making the transition seamless for a unit that cannot afford to take a step backward.

Nov 1, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans quarterback Walker Eget (5) passes the football against the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine during the first quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images | Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

The second reason is Walker Eget. The veteran quarterback secured a sixth year of eligibility and brings a level of experience to Durham that few portal additions can match. Eget spent two seasons as a starter at San Jose State, where he threw for more than 5,500 yards. Having a quarterback who has managed an offense at a high level for an extended period gives Duke a reliable foundation to build around as the new pieces come together.

The third reason is Nate Sheppard. The sophomore running back earned All-ACC recognition as a true freshman after rushing for 1,132 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he returns as one of the most dangerous backfield weapons in the conference.

Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz on the field before the start of the game against the UConn Huskies at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

With Eget bringing stability at quarterback and Shepard poised to take another step forward in his development, Duke has the makings of a prolific offense capable of putting up points against anyone on the schedule.