Duke football prepares for 2026 season opener against Tulane

The Duke Blue Devils football program is preparing for its 2026 regular season opener against the Tulane Green Wave at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 5. Following a 2025 ACC Championship win, head coach Manny Diaz faces a period of roster transition after significant losses to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal.

Recent depth chart releases and fall camp evaluations indicate substantial changes across multiple position groups, including wide receiver, defensive tackle, and defensive back. While the team maintains stability at running back, tight end, offensive line, and linebacker, new transfers such as quarterback Walker Eget and wide receiver Jared Richardson are expected to play key roles in stabilizing the roster.

Coach Diaz aims to rebuild a defense that saw a decline in passing defense metrics during the 2025 season. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the new roster, the program seeks to build on two consecutive nine-win seasons.