Duke football and head coach Manny Diaz have shifted focus to the 2026 season, moving past the legal issues surrounding former quarterback Darian Mensah. The Blue Devils’ spring practice begins March 19, and Diaz addressed the media for the first time since the resolution of the lawsuit against Mensah, which concluded on January 27. Duke filed a lawsuit against Mensah on January 20 after he entered the transfer portal at the last minute, violating his multi-year contract with the program. Mensah, along with wide receiver Cooper Barkate, transferred to Miami shortly after the settlement was finalized. Diaz emphasized that the team has moved forward, stating, “It’s been a while, we’ve kind of moved on.” He acknowledged the complexities of the transfer portal and NCAA rules, noting, “The deck reshuffles every year and you try to play yourself to a winning hand.” The Blue Devils, who won the 2025 ACC championship for the eighth time in program history, have embraced the transfer portal to bolster their roster. Among the additions is San Jose State transfer Walker Eget, a two-year starter who threw for 5,555 yards and 30 touchdowns. Eget’s waiver for an extra year of eligibility was approved by the NCAA on February 19, but he is currently limited in his role due to an ACL tear sustained in October 2024. He underwent surgery after the 2025 season and is participating in light throwing drills this spring. Diaz praised Eget’s arrival, calling him a “massive gap filler” for a quarterback room that previously lacked in-game experience. The team now includes Eget, North Alabama transfer Ari Patu, redshirt freshman Dan Mahan, and freshman Terry Walker III. “We’re really excited to have Walker join our program,” Diaz said, highlighting Eget’s role in learning the offense and attending meetings.#miami #duke #manny_diaz #darian_mensah #acc_championship
