Head coach Manny Diaz chimed in on the Duke Football quarterback battle during the ACC Kickoff.
When the 2025 season ended, the Duke Blue Devils envisioned taking that momentum into 2026 with quarterback Darian Mensah leading the way. After transferring from Tulane, Mensah put together a good season for the Blue Devils and helped them win the ACC title.
But then those visions were interrupted.
Mensah ended up making a last minute decision to transfer to Miami and join the College Football Playoff runners up. It's something that Diaz finally addressed at the ACC Kickoff, answering smartly but also showing that he's frustrated.
Now, the Blue Devils are moving forward and will have a different quarterback starting this season. The question is now, who will be the starter?
Duke will turn to either San Jose State transfer Walker Eget or redshirt freshman Dan Mahan. The Blue Devils were able to add Eget late in the transfer portal cycle, doing so after Mensah left. At the ACC Kickoff, Diaz provided an update to the competition.
"The great news is they're all healthy," Diaz said. "That's really the first time we've been able to say that with that room."
That's certainly good news. However, Diaz wouldn't reveal who has the lead right now.
"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."
For the Blue Devils, it's important they figure out their starter sooner than later into Fall camp. The impact that Mensah had last season will be tough to replicate for either Eget or Mahan.
But the Blue Devils may not need that exact level of play but rather something as close as possible if they can.
While at San Jose State last season, Eget threw for 3,051 yards with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. For Mahan, he has yet to record a stat in a game after getting a redshirt in his first season. It certainly feels like Eget has the early advantage going into this competition as long as he can stay healthy moving forward.
Duke is set to host Tulane on Sept. 3 to open up their 2026 season.
