The Duke Blue Devils are attempting to snatch a compelling SEC running back in the transfer portal.
The Duke Blue Devils won the ACC championship and defeated Arizona State in the Sun Bowl this year thanks to an explosive offensive led by quarterback Darian Mensah, and while fixing the defense should be Duke's top priority this offseason, it would still like to add some more weapons.
The Blue Devils already have impressive playmakers like running back Nate Sheppard and wide receiver Cooper Barkate, but they are apparently pursuing another halfback.
John Watson of 247 Sports has revealed that Duke is after former Auburn Tigers running back Durell Robinson, who is now preparing to play for his fourth team after heading into the portal.
Robinson didn't receive much playing time at Auburn this past season, carrying the ball three times for 57 yards and a touchdown.
However, he has displayed considerable potential.
The Seat Pleasant, Md. native began his collegiate career at Charlotte in 2023 but played in just four games during his freshman campaign, toting the rock 40 times for 166 yards and a score.
Durell Robinson. Credit: Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.After redshirting, Robinson then transferred to UConn, where he broke out with 731 yards and eight touchdowns on a robust 6.8 yards per carry. He also logged 14 catches for 75 yards.
Robinson moved on to Auburn after spending his lone season with the Huskies, but got stuck behind Jeremiah Cobb and multiple others in the Tigers' backfield.
The former three-star recruit clearly displayed eye-opening ability at Connecticut, so perhaps a move to Duke will help him rediscover those talents.
Sheppard led the Blue Devils with 1,132 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground this season, but with No. 2 back Anderson Castle — who punched in 12 scores of his own — and Jaquez Moore both out of eligibility, Duke could certainly use another halfback.
We'll see if the Blue Devils are able to bag Robinson this winter. If they can't land the former Auburn weapon, they will almost certainly snatch up a running back somewhere else.
Duke went 9-5 in 2025 and has won bowl games in three of its last four campaigns. The Blue Devils have also qualified for a bowl game in four straight seasons, matching a school record.