The offseason hasn’t exactly gone according to plan for Duke football. After losing quarterback Darian Mensah and top wideout Cooper Barkate to Miami, head coach Manny Diaz found himself staring down a depth chart that suddenly looked a lot thinner-and a lot less explosive-than expected.
The transfer portal, which had been so kind to Diaz in the past, didn’t deliver a ready-made star this time. And with no elite signal-caller walking through the door, the Blue Devils were left searching for answers at the most important position on the field.
But just when it looked like Duke might be out of options, a new name has entered the picture-and it could be a game-changer for the program’s future.
DJ Hunter Reopens His Recruitment-and Duke Should Be Listening
DJ Hunter, a three-star quarterback out of Buford, Georgia, had been committed to Kentucky since April 2025. That changed this week when Hunter officially decommitted, putting himself back on the market and immediately drawing attention from several Power Five programs.
Hunter isn’t just another name in the recruiting pool. He’s a 6'2", 200-pound QB with a strong arm, solid mobility, and a reputation for poise in the pocket. He’s also someone who already has familiarity with Duke-he took an official visit to Durham during his initial recruitment and has openly expressed interest in the Blue Devils.
That’s a door Diaz and his staff might want to swing wide open.
In a recent interview, Hunter mentioned Duke among the schools he’s still considering, alongside USF, Maryland, West Virginia, and Florida State. He even said Duke is one of the programs he’s “thinking about” visiting in the spring. That’s not just lip service-it’s a clear sign there’s mutual interest, and the window is open for Diaz to make a move.
Why Hunter Matters for Duke’s Long-Term Outlook
Let’s be clear: DJ Hunter wouldn’t be stepping in to start this fall. He’s part of the 2027 recruiting class, so his impact wouldn’t be felt until the following season. But that’s exactly why this opportunity is so important.
Right now, Duke’s quarterback room is holding steady-but it’s not exactly overflowing with long-term answers. Senior transfer Michael Appel Jr. is expected to lead the offense this season, and redshirt freshman Dan Mahan remains a developmental piece. Both are capable, but neither is a lock to be the face of the program beyond 2026.
Landing a quarterback like Hunter would give Duke a foundation to build on for the future-a young, talented prospect who could grow within Diaz’s system and potentially become the centerpiece of the next era of Blue Devil football.
And let’s not forget, there’s still talent on this roster. Running back Nate Sheppard is back and ready to shoulder a heavy load, both literally and figuratively, for the offense this season. With Sheppard’s ability to grind out tough yards and keep defenses honest, Duke has a chance to stay competitive while grooming its next quarterback.
The Bottom Line
This offseason has tested Duke’s depth and Diaz’s adaptability. Losing Mensah and Barkate was a gut punch, and the lack of a big-name transfer quarterback only added to the challenge. But in DJ Hunter, the Blue Devils may have stumbled into a second chance-a chance to secure a promising young QB who already has eyes on Durham.
Hunter’s recruitment is heating up, and Duke has the opportunity to get in on the ground floor. For a program looking to stabilize and plan for the future, this could be the spark they need.
Diaz and the Blue Devils might be okay in the short term-but adding a quarterback like DJ Hunter could go a long way toward making sure they’re more than just okay in the seasons to come.