Analyst predicts Duke Blue Devils to finish 11th in ACC in 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 9:06 PM
Last updated Jul 13, 2026
College football analyst Phil Steele has ranked the Duke Blue Devils 11th in the Atlantic Coast Conference for the 2026 season. This ranking comes after a strong previous season where Duke captured the ACC title by defeating Virginia in overtime. However, the departure of quarterback Darian Mensah to Miami has negatively impacted Duke's prospects, as Steele suggests the team may face a setback this year. With preseason practices starting soon, coach Manny Diaz is focused on proving doubters wrong and building on last season's momentum.
- •Duke won the ACC title last season, beating Virginia in overtime.
- •Darian Mensah's transfer to Miami led to Duke's drop in rankings.
- •Phil Steele predicts Miami will be the top team in the ACC for 2026.
- •Duke's ranking is below rivals like North Carolina and Syracuse.
- •Manny Diaz aims to leverage his coaching to improve the team's standing.
- 9:06 PMYahoo Sports — College Football Analyst Isn't High on Duke Blue Devils in 2026
"College football analyst Phil Steele isn't very high on the Duke Blue Devils going into the 2026 season.
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