Blue Devil Country

Comparing Duke's 2026 Recruiting Class to Rest of the ACC

Here's a look at how the Blue Devils' 2026 recruiting class is stacking up with the rest of the ACC after the Early National Signing Period.
Max Dorsey|
Sep 24, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; A general view of a Duke Blue Devils helmet against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half of the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Sep 24, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; A general view of a Duke Blue Devils helmet against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half of the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

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The 2025 season was an interesting year, to say the least, for Duke and head coach Manny Diaz. The Blue Devils experienced a lot of success on the field this year, finishing with an 8-5 record and ending the season with an ACC Championship victory over Virginia. 

Diaz was able to use some of Duke's on-field success to find success on the 2026 recruiting trail as well, securing a 15-player class during last week's Early National Signing Period. Now that the period has ended, here's a look at how Duke fared compared to the rest of the ACC.

Manny Dia
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

How Does Duke's 2026 Class Stack Up in the ACC?

Duke's 2026 recruiting class finished the Early National Signing period ranked 61st in the country. That's well below what Diaz probably hoped for, and when looking at the ACC rankings, the Blue Devils' head coach must be even more frustrated.

Duke Footbal
Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils defensive end Wesley Williams (97) celebrates defeating the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

2026 ACC Recruiting Rankings:

*Note: All Data comes from Rivals

  1. Miami (No. 9 class in the country)
  2. Florida State (No. 14 class in the country )
  3. North Carolina (No. 18 class in the country)
  4. Clemson: (No. 19 class in the country)
  5. SMU: (No. 23 class in the country)
  6. Virginia Tech (No. 27 class in the country)
  7. Syracuse (No. 29 class in the country)
  8. Stanford (No. 36 class in the country)
  9. Georgia Tech (No. 41 class in the country)
  10. Pittsburgh (No. 44 class in the country)
  11. Louisville (No. 47 class in the country)
  12. Wake Forest (No. 48 class in the country)
  13. NC State (No. 49 class in the country)
  14. Cal (No. 50 class in the country)
  15. Boston College (No. 51 class in the country)
  16. Duke (No. 61 class in the country)
  17. Virginia (No. 80 class in the country)

How Does Duke's ACC Recruiting Ranking Impact the Team's Future Outlook?

Duke Footbal
Nov 8, 2025; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz on the field for warm up 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

To put it bluntly, Duke’s performance in the 2026 cycle was rough. Not only did the Blue Devils fail to finish the Early National Signing Day with a top 60-ranked class nationally, but they also ended up second-to-last in the conference. 

To compete with their ACC rivals, the Blue Devils need to bring in similar talent. The truth is that Duke did not manage to do so in this recruiting cycle.

Darian Mensa
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 | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Although Duke's high school signing class was near the bottom of the ACC, the good news for Duke is that they can still add talent through the upcoming transfer portal window in January. Diaz did a good job of landing solid transfer portal talent last offseason, and if the Blue Devils can do the same this year, they should have a competitive roster heading into the 2026 season.

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Max Dorsey
MAX DORSEY

Max Doresy serves as the Western United States College Recruiting Beat Writer On SI. He graduated from the prestigious Syracuse University – S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Before that, he worked for the Pro Football Network and was part of the recruiting department for Syracuse University's football program.