The Athletic Lists Duke's 'Biggest' Football Game in 2026
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
We are just over a week away from the Duke Blue Devils hit the football field for the first time in the 2026 season. When they host Tulane to open the year, Duke's team will look a little different.
Most noticeably at quarterback.
After Duke won the Atlantic Coast Conference title in 2025, they believed they had the roster to come back and do it again in 2026. Then Darian Mensah entered the transfer portal on the final day and committed to Miami, leaving the Blue Devils in the dust.
The move wasn't appreciated on Duke's side as they were frustrated about him taking more money and bolting to Miami. Those frustrations have continued and will continue until the two teams meet on November 14th.
The Blue Devils will travel to Miami to face the Hurricanes late in the season and The Athletic has called it the biggest game of the season for Duke. And it's for one main reason — Mensah:
Game to circle: The Blue Devils visit Miami and their former quarterback on Nov. 14. The Hurricanes look loaded again and are the favorite in the ACC under Mario Cristobal, who replaced Diaz in an awkward transition. This would go down as one of the sweeter victories in Duke history if the Blue Devils can spring the upset.
The storyline alone makes it the game to circle for the Blue Devils and despite it not being at home, it will be a huge game.
Duke has made their frustrations known when the Mensah situation. The quarterback understands but is comfortable with his decision at this point.
Miami enters this season No. 7 in the AP Top 25 preseason poll and are the favorites to win the ACC. After what they accomplished last season and finishing runner-up in the College Football Playoff, they are hoping the addition of Mensah will get them over the hump.
Duke on the other hand isn't projected to finish in the top half of the ACC. They could be looking to play spoiler against a Hurricanes team that should be near the top of the ACC when they do meet in November.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos