The Duke Blue Devils are in a unique spot for the 2026 season after an offseason of turnover, despite continued optimism within the program.

The defending ACC football champions are a much different roster than they were six months ago after winning the conference championship outright for the first time in over six decades. The hype and momentum for Duke following their Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl victory suggested a 10- to 12-win team in 2026, with Darian Mensah, Cooper Barkate, a healthy Terry Moore, Jeremiah Hasley, Nate Sheppard, and Luke Mergott leading the way.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils players celebrate after winning the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium.…