Duke’s Manny Diaz Could Be Poached by Bigger Program
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The Duke Blue Devils hired head coach Manny Diaz in late 2023, and he has done a great job leading the program.
Diaz has been impressive in his first two seasons with Duke, leading them to 9-4 in 2024 and 9-5 in 2025, including an ACC Title over Virginia.
Although Diaz's success has been great for the Blue Devils, it could result in them losing him. ESPN's Adam Rittenberg named Diaz as a coach to look out for the next big job opening in college football.
Diaz would be a big loss for Duke's program, and they will hope that if he gets an opportunity with a bigger program, he'll still choose to stay.
Heading into 2026, the Diaz and the Blue Devils have a strong program and will be in the mix to win the ACC once again. However, it will be more difficult, as star quarterback Darian Mensah transferred to Miami.
Mensah had a phenomenal 2025 season at Duke, completing 66.8 percent of his passes for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns, and six interceptions while also adding a rushing touchdown.
With Mensah gone, the Blue Devils will turn to Walker Eget as their starting quarterback. Eget was an addition in the transfer portal, as he completed 59 percent of his passes for 3,051 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 2025. He also rushed for 96 yards on 33 carries.
While Eget doesn't have the same track record as Mensah, he should be a solid quarterback for Duke as they look to return to the ACC Championship Game.
The Blue Devils will also lean on running back Nate Sheppard, who had a great freshman season, rushing for 1,132 yards and 11 touchdowns with 37 receptions for 286 yards and a touchdown.
With a new quarterback in place, Duke will need Sheppard to be even more impactful in the run game to open things up for Eget in the passing attack.
The Blue Devils have some solid talent on the roster, and Diaz has done a great job as head coach. Duke will hope to retain him long-term and not lose him to a bigger program.
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