As Duke football's spring practice sessions wind down, all eyes are on Wallace Wade Stadium for the upcoming Blue & White game. With head coach Manny Diaz entering his third season, the program is riding high after a landmark 2025 campaign that saw them capture their first ACC Championship in over three decades. The foundation is strong, but as the team prepares for its final spring scrimmage, several key questions will shape their path forward.

The most pressing issue is under center. The unexpected departure of Darian Mensah forced a late pivot to the transfer portal, leading Duke to secure veteran quarterback Walker Eget from San Jose State. Eget brings a wealth of experience and production, but he's currently in a careful rehabilitation phase after ACL surgery. His ability to fully grasp the offense and return to form will be crucial for an otherwise young and untested quarterback room that includes promising talents like Dan Mahan and Terry Walker III.

Beyond quarterback, the composition of the running back corps remains a focal point. With the departure of key contributors, establishing a reliable and dynamic ground game is essential for offensive balance. How the coaching staff evaluates and deploys talents like Nate Sheppard will be a significant storyline to watch as they look to maintain the offensive potency that fueled last season's title run.

Finally, integrating new arrivals from the transfer portal will be a major theme of the offseason. The portal has become a vital tool for roster construction in modern college football, and Duke's recent haul is no exception. Successfully blending this new talent with the returning core—especially on defense under Manny Diaz's scheme—will determine if the Blue Devils can defend their ACC crown and build upon their consecutive nine-win seasons.