The Duke Blue Devils aren’t just hanging around the ACC conversation anymore-they’ve kicked the door open and walked into the title game. After a season that’s been anything but predictable, Duke delivered when it mattered most, taking care of business against Wake Forest and keeping their championship hopes alive. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective-just like much of their season.
Let’s be clear: Duke didn’t get here by accident. This team has been riding a wave of resilience and belief, and that starts at the top with head coach Manny Diaz.
In a year full of twists and turns, Diaz never lost the locker room. He kept his players focused on the only thing they could control-getting better each week.
That mindset has been the foundation of their climb, and now, it’s taken them to the doorstep of something special.
The win over Wake Forest was more than just a box checked-it was a statement. Duke needed that victory to stay in the ACC title picture, and they got it.
They also needed a little help elsewhere in the standings, and the chips fell their way. That’s football.
Sometimes it’s grit, sometimes it’s timing, and sometimes it’s both. For Duke, it’s been a season of showing up, grinding it out, and refusing to fold.
Now they’re headed to the ACC Championship Game with a shot at something bigger: a conference title and, potentially, a College Football Playoff berth. That’s the kind of opportunity Diaz has been preaching about since day one-the chance to prove they belong on the biggest stage.
But here’s where things get complicated. Even if Duke knocks off Virginia in the ACC title game, their path to the playoff isn’t guaranteed. The new playoff format gives automatic bids to the five highest-ranked conference champions-and there’s already debate about whether Duke would make the cut if they finish 8-5.
According to some voices around the sport, including Mike McDaniel, that kind of record might not be enough. The argument?
If Duke beats Virginia, but James Madison wins the Sun Belt and finishes 12-1, the Dukes might have the stronger résumé. Their only loss would’ve come on the road against a solid Louisville team, and their overall body of work could edge out an ACC champ with five losses.
That scenario opens the door for two Group of Five teams to crash the playoff party-something that would’ve been unthinkable a few years ago. With the SEC (Alabama or Georgia), Big Ten (Ohio State or Indiana), Big 12 (Texas Tech or BYU), and AAC (Tulane or North Texas) champions all likely to secure spots, the final bid could come down to Duke or JMU. And if JMU stumbles against Troy, that could swing the door back open for Duke.
Of course, if Virginia wins the ACC title game, it’s simple-they’re in. But if Duke pulls off the upset, we’re looking at a potential selection day stunner.
Bottom line: Duke has done its part to stay in the mix. They’ve weathered the storm of an unpredictable season, leaned on leadership, and put themselves in position to make history. Now, it’s about finishing the job-and maybe getting a little more help along the way.
One thing’s for sure: the Blue Devils aren’t just happy to be here. They’ve got their eyes on the crown.