Defending ACC champion Duke unranked in preseason coaches poll
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 8:00 PM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026
The US LBM College Football Coaches Poll has released its preseason rankings, and the defending ACC champion Duke Blue Devils are not included in the Top 25. Despite the team's success in securing both an ACC title and a Sun Bowl victory last year, the Blue Devils received only six points in the poll, placing them 46th overall. This follows a trend from last season, where Duke was similarly excluded from the final rankings. Head coach Manny Diaz faces the challenge of replacing 17 starters, including quarterback Darian Mensah. Duke opens its season against the Tulane Green Wave on September 5.
- •Duke Blue Devils are unranked in the preseason coaches poll.
- •The team won the ACC title last December.
- •Duke received six points in the poll, ranking 46th.
- •Duke begins the season against Tulane on September 5.
- •Key players include 17 starters needing replacement.
- 8:00 PMYahoo Sports — Defending ACC champion Duke unranked in preseason coaches poll
"Coaches leave Duke out of the Top 25, giving the ACC champs another chance to challenge expectations this fall.
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