Duke football faces skepticism about repeating recent success
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 1:15 PM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
ESPN's David Hale expresses doubt over Duke's chances of repeating as ACC champions this season. The Blue Devils, coached by Manny Diaz, were projected to finish 10th in a recent poll conducted at ACC media days. Concerns are raised about their pass defense after ranking poorly last season, allowing 5.86 yards per dropback under pressure. Additionally, Duke must address the departure of quarterback Darian Mensah, who transferred to Miami. Despite these challenges, the coaching staff aims to prove critics wrong on the field.
- •Duke picked to finish 10th in the ACC at media days.
- •Team's pass defense ranked 131st out of 136 FBS teams last season.
- •Coach Manny Diaz needs to replace quarterback Darian Mensah.
- •Duarte aims to challenge preseason predictions on the field.
- 1:15 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN's David Hale not high on Duke repeating same success as last year
"ESPN isn't expecting Duke to repeat the same success the Blue Devils have had the past two seasons.
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