Duke’s football team enters the season with a mix of promise and pressure, as they navigate key losses and bold new additions. Quarterback Walker Eget, a transfer who won the starting job after an NCAA waiver, is sidelined by knee surgery — but redshirt freshman Dan Mahan’s camp performance threw a wrench in expectations. At wide receiver, the void left by three departed stars is filled by Jared Richardson (Penn) and Javen Nicholas (Charlotte), poised to make immediate impacts. Running back Nate Sheppard’s return is a major boost, and with a revamped offensive line, he’ll likely carry the load early. Defensively, Manny Diaz aims to resurrect Duke’s dominant past, anchored by a fearsome front seven. Eget’s arm talent is undeniable, but his interception history raises concerns — if he adapts quickly, the passing game could explode. Against Tulane, Duke is favored by 9.5 points, but the defense is the real story: expect a gritty, close win — maybe 20-16 — as Duke’s D forces turnovers and keeps the offense alive.

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