The Duke Blue Devils, under the guidance of head coach Manny Diaz, are gearing up for the 2026 season with a fresh face potentially leading the charge at quarterback. After a strong showing in 2025, the Blue Devils are eager to maintain their momentum, but they faced a curveball with former starter Darian Mensah's unexpected transfer to the Miami Hurricanes. This left a significant gap at quarterback, prompting a swift search for a new leader.
Enter Walker Eget, a transfer from San Jose State, who has been cleared by the NCAA to suit up for Duke in 2026. Eget's journey to this point has been one of growth and determination.
Originally a three-star recruit from California, Eget opted to stay close to home, committing to San Jose State. His time there saw him evolve from a promising talent into a seasoned playmaker.
Eget first took the reins as a starter in 2024, amassing 2,504 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. While his potential was evident, consistency was the next hurdle. Fast forward to 2025, and Eget had sharpened his skills, throwing for 3,051 yards and 17 touchdowns, with a personal best 59% completion rate over 11 games.
With Mensah's departure, Eget's transfer to Duke couldn't have come at a better time. He now finds himself in a competition with redshirt freshman Dan Mahan for the starting quarterback role. Eget's experience and proven track record with the Spartans certainly give him an edge over Mahan, who spent last season as Mensah's understudy.
As Duke prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Eget and Mahan as they vie for the coveted starting spot. Eget's journey and experience might just be the key to unlocking a successful 2026 campaign for the Blue Devils.