Duke football predictions from fans ahead of the 2026 season, including record
College football fans were asked to give their predictions on the Duke Blue Devils ahead of the 2026 season. Here are the results.
Duke football fans are predicting a strong 2026 season for the Blue Devils, according to a survey conducted by The Fayetteville Observer/USA TODAY Network. The survey invited fans to share their predictions before the Blue Devils face Tulane at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 5. The team, which won its first ACC title since 1989 and recorded back-to-back nine-win seasons, will return 10 starters while losing 17, including quarterback Darian Mensah to Miami.
Nate Sheppard, a breakout freshman rusher, is the fans' favorite to be the team's Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2026, with 62.9% of the vote. Other popular choices for MVP include Jeremiah Hasley, Luke Mergott, Walker Eget, and Dan Mahan. The Blue Devils' top newcomer in 2026 is wide receiver Jared Richardson, voted by 40% of fans.
The starting quarterback position is still uncertain, with Walker Eget receiving 47.5% of the vote and Dan Mahan getting 45%. Duke's record for the 2026 season is expected to be around 9-3, according to 35.5% of fans, while 29.1% predict an 8-4 finish, and 19.4% foresee a 7-5 outcome. A 10-2 season, which would be Duke's first since 2013, is less likely, with only 9.7% of fans supporting this prediction.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
