Manny Diaz didn’t hand out any hints about Duke’s quarterback race at ACC Kickoff, but he did make one thing clear: the Blue Devils are going to let the competition sort itself out.
That battle is suddenly one of the biggest questions hanging over Duke as the program moves on from a 2025 season that ended with Darian Mensah at the center of it all. After transferring in from Tulane, Mensah delivered a strong year and helped Duke win the ACC title. The expectation was that he’d carry that momentum into 2026.
Instead, Mensah made a last-minute move to Miami and joined the College Football Playoff runners up, leaving Duke to reset at the most important spot on the field.
Diaz addressed that departure at the ACC Kickoff and made it sound like the situation still leaves a sting. But when it came to the current quarterback picture, he stayed measured.
Duke’s options are San Jose State transfer Walker Eget and redshirt freshman Dan Mahan. The Blue Devils added Eget late in the transfer portal cycle after Mensah left, and Diaz said the staff will let the two sort it out in camp.
"We're excited to get those guys on the field and let them compete," Diaz said. "Competition always brings out the best in people. The best player will play."
That leaves Duke with a decision it needs to settle quickly once fall camp opens. Mensah’s production from last season will be difficult for either candidate to match, but the Blue Devils may only need someone close enough to keep the offense on track.
Eget brings the more proven résumé. Last season at San Jose State, he threw for 3,051 yards with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Mahan, meanwhile, has not yet recorded a stat in a game after taking a redshirt in his first season.
For now, it looks like Eget enters the race with the early edge, though Diaz stopped well short of saying that outright.
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