Duke football is riding high after a historic 2024 season that saw the Blue Devils capture their first outright ACC title since 1962 and notch a second consecutive nine-win campaign. As the program looks ahead to 2026, there's plenty of buzz—and some key questions—about whether they can keep the momentum rolling.

Yes, the transfer portal dealt some serious blows. Quarterback Darian Mensah and his top target, wide receiver Cooper Barkate, have both moved on to Miami. But head coach Manny Diaz, entering his third season at the helm, has already shown he knows how to adapt. In 2024, he pieced together a nine-win team with quarterback Maalik Murphy, proving he can win with a mix of grit and strategy.

This time around, there are reasons for optimism. Running back Nate Sheppard is back after a breakout freshman campaign in which he shattered records with 1,132 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. And the Blue Devils have added quarterback Walker Eget from San Jose State, who threw for 3,051 yards and 17 touchdowns last season—a potential game-changer for the offense.

CBS Sports analyst Austin Nivison is bullish on Duke's chances, suggesting that even without Mensah, the team could match last year's win total. "It's reasonable to expect a big drop-off," Nivison notes, "but is it insane to think they could hit nine wins again?" He points out that the ACC isn't exactly a powerhouse conference, giving Diaz's squad a realistic path to another strong season.

For Diaz, another nine-win campaign would be historic—and it might also put him on the radar of bigger programs looking for a proven winner. But for now, Duke fans have every reason to believe the Blue Devils can keep their upward trajectory intact.