Walker Eget is set to make waves for Duke football in 2026, as the quarterback has been granted an additional year of eligibility by the NCAA. This news, first reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel, is a significant development for the Blue Devils.
Eget, who transferred to Duke in January, brings a wealth of experience from his five seasons at San Jose State. In the 2025 season, he showcased his skills by throwing for 3,051 yards and 17 touchdowns, despite the Spartans' challenging 3-9 record. He also added 96 rushing yards to his stats, highlighting his versatility on the field.
During his two years as a starter, Eget amassed 5,555 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. His journey wasn't without setbacks, as he faced a torn ACL in October 2024, which required surgery. Yet, his resilience and talent shone through, earning him a solid 84.7 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024, followed by a 67.5 in 2025.
Eget's arrival at Duke comes at a crucial time, filling the quarterback vacancy left by Darian Mensah's transfer to Miami. The departure stirred some controversy, with Duke reaching a settlement after suing Mensah when he entered the transfer portal at the last moment. Additionally, wide receiver Cooper Barkate joined Mensah in the move to Miami.
In the quarterback room, Eget will be joined by North Alabama transfer Ari Patu, redshirt freshman Dan Mahan, and freshman Terry Walker III. Of these, Patu is the only one with game experience, adding an interesting dynamic to the competition for the starting spot.
Duke fans can mark their calendars for the 2026 season opener at home against Tulane on September 5. With Eget under center, the Blue Devils are poised for an exciting season.