Duke Football: 2025 Blue Devils Season Preview and Prediction
Duke exceeded expectations with a nine-win regular season in Diaz's first year as head coach. But the Blue Devils' only victory over a team that finished with a winning record came against UConn. Naturally, coach Manny Diaz and his staff sought to improve the roster further and were successful, particularly at quarterback with Darian Mensah. The schedule, with Illinois and Tulane in non-conference games plus road games at Syracuse and Clemson, will be more challenging. Duke looks like a more talented team but one that could win fewer games than a year ago — maybe just dropping to eight regular-season wins. Either way, the Duke program remains on a good foundation as a perennial bowl team just outside of the ACC's elite.
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[Editor's note: This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025 College Football Preview print magazine. Order your copy today online, or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.]
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Duke 2025 Season Preview and Prediction
Previewing Duke's Offense for 2025
Duke took a big swing in the offseason, believing Tulane transfer Darian Mensah to be an upgrade over Maalik Murphy at quarterback. That move, combined with four returning starters on the offensive line and running back Jaquez Moore's return to health, sets the Blue Devils up to have a more explosive offense this season after they averaged 26.3 points per game in 2024.
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Mensah's ability to make plays in both the running and passing game will certainly help. But who will make plays at wide receiver? Oklahoma transfer Andrel Anthony could be that guy. Que'Sean Brown and Sahmir Hagans return but must prove to be dependable as they assume larger roles in the offense.
Blue Devils RB Jaquez Moore | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Previewing Duke's Defense for 2025
True to head coach Manny Diaz's reputation, the Blue Devils proved to be an attacking defense in his first season coaching the unit last season, and there's no indication that will change in 2025. After tying SMU for the ACC lead in sacks (43) and leading the league outright with 116 tackles for a loss, Duke should be solid again thanks to a strong front line, with Vincent Anthony Jr. and Wesley Williams returning along with middle linebacker Tre Freeman. Look for FCS Dartmouth transfer Josiah Green to have an impact at defensive tackle.
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The secondary has a superior lockdown corner in Chandler Rivers and ball-hawking safety in Terry Moore. Utah State transfer nickelback Jaiden Francois can make plays against both the run and pass.
Duke coach Manny Diaz | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Previewing Duke's Specialists for 2025
Now a senior, former walk-on placekicker Todd Pelino is adequate, although five missed field goals and two missed extra points last season give one pause. Kade Reynoldson was a top-five punter in the ACC as a freshman last season and should remain there. He's a weapon. Peyton Jones and Brown have explosiveness in the return game. There's plenty to like for Duke here.
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National Ranking: 41
More ACC team previews
Boston College | California | Clemson | Florida State
Georgia Tech | Louisville | Miami | North Carolina | NC State
Pitt | SMU | Stanford | Syracuse | Virginia | Virginia Tech | Wake Forest
Related: ACC Football 2025 Predictions
Related: College Football Rankings: Projecting the Top 25 Teams for 2025
Related: Athlon Sports 2025 College Football Preview Magazine Available Now
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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