Predicting Duke Blue Devils 2026 Football Schedule

The Duke Blue Devils enter the season as the reigning ACC champions, despite finishing last year with a record of 9-5.

But nonetheless, Duke did its job, which was to win the conference. Now head coach Manny Diaz and company will try to replicate the success from a year ago.

However, how many wins can this team truly expect? Here is a prediction for each game on the Blue Devils' schedule:

Week 1: vs Tulane, Win

Starting the year off against Tulane, who beat them last season, gives Duke a perfect opportunity to get some revenge. Duke enters this game as a favorite, and rightfully so.

Give me the Blue Devils to open the year with a win.

Week 2: at Illinois, Loss

Illinois has the feeling of a team that could do some damage if things were to fall right fir them. They get Duke at home, taking an advantage away from the Blue Devils.

This will be too much to overcome, sending Duke to its first loss of the season.

Week 3: vs Stanford, Win

This is the first ACC game for the Blue Devils, offering them a chance to start the year on a high note. Stanford struggled last season, and they aren't expected to be much better this time around.

I like Duke to open ACC play with a win.

Week 4: vs Williams & Mary, Win

The Blue Devils shouldn't have much trouble in this game. This is the last nonconference game of the season, and they come out swinging.

Duke heads into the bye week with a winning record.

Week 5: Bye Week

Week 6: at Georgia Tech, Loss

Duke has lost five straight to Georgia Tech, and 2026 will make it six in a row. I like the Yellow Jackets to run away with this game.

Week 7: vs North Carolina, Win

Duke took the game last season against its long-time rival, starting the Bill Belichick era at UNC off well. Belichick should have a better understanding of the team this time around, but Duke is a better football team.

I like the Blue Devils to get the rivalry win.

Week 8: at Virginia, Loss

This is a rematch of the ACC title game from last season. Virginia will be coming in with revenge on their minds, but the Blue Devils could try to stop them.

Duke hasn't not won in Charlottesville since 2013, and that trend continues here.

Week 9: vs Boston College, Win

Coming off a tough loss, Duke will host Boston College, offering them a chance to get back on track. I don't see the Blue Devils having much trouble here.

I like Duke to get the big win.

Week 10: at NC State, Win

This could be the game that defines the season for the Blue Devils. Sitting just ahead of two major ACC matchups, if Duke could win this game, it could set them up well.

The Blue Devils do win the game, grabbing a gritty road win.

Week 11: at Miami, Loss

Duke will get to play its former quarterback Darian Mensah in this game. But a road game in Miami is always tough.

Mensah reminds the Blue Devils what he can do, sending them to another loss.

Week 12: vs Clemson, Loss

Nobody really knows what type of team Clemson will have this year, but they could surprise people. While Duke will keep this game close, give me the Tigers to pull out the last-second road win, stunning the Blue Devils in the process.

Week 13: at Wake Forest, Win

Coming into the final game, all Duke will care about is to stop the bleeding. They have won the last four in a row of this matchup, giving them an edge.

The Blue Devils do continue the trend, ending their season on a relatively positive note.

Final record prediction: 7-5, makes a bowl game