The Duke football team opened its 2025 preseason on Monday, July 28 with the season starting exactly one month away on August 28 against Elon. The team began the first of its acclimation period to ramp up the season with 22 periods throughout the two-hour practice. Also in attendance today was ACC Network’s ACC Roadshow, who had Justin Walters, Eddie Royal and Tom Luginbill hosting the show to air on Monday, July 28 at 7 p.m.
There’s excitement surrounding the Duke football program with preseason All-Americans Chandler Rivers, Terry Moore and Brian Parker II, as well as ESPN’s third-highest rated transfer in quarterback Darian Mensah. Mensah was named to the Maxwell Award watch list, given to the college football player of the year.
Duke has 38 letterwinners and 14 starters returning from last year’s 9-4 team, which an appearance in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in head coach Manny Diaz’s first season.
Senior Linebacker Tre Freeman
"The first day - definitely excited. It'd been a long, hard summer with Coach Feeley. It's really exciting that we get to come out here and play. Just like we always preach, you go through hard stuff, but your guys are what makes a family. That's what we try to do most. We know we are always going through something hard. Then we just try to eat and love on each other whenever we can and break bread."
A warm practice in Durham saw the defense pick up right where it left off last season. Chandler Rivers led the way with an interception during the 1-on-1 period and a pass breakup in the 7-on-7 period. Ma'khi Jones also added an interception off a tipped pass from Leon Griffin III in the first team period of the day.
Up front, the defense had over six sacks on the day and numerous tackles for loss. Aaron Hall showed his ability with a sack as well as a couple young guys reaching the quarterback in Tyshon Reed and Elliott Schaper.
Senior Offensive Lineman Justin Pickett
"It's good to be around the guys and the guys help you through this. I believe in our locker room. That's what makes us special here. That's what makes Duke special. A lot of people may not see that from the outside, but it shows up on tape. That's something special about this program, trusting each other and the building on that trust will help us get to where we want to go."
The offense got off to a fast start during the first team session of the day, with its first three plays totaling over 50 yards from scrimmage. Senior wide receiver Sahmir Hagans caught a pair of touchdowns from Mensah, including an impressive toe-touch in the back corner of the end zone, while Jayden Moore caught a deep pass across the middle from Henry Belin IV.
The Blue Devils are back at it tomorrow for day two of fall camp.