Duke University’s football program confirmed on Tuesday that graduate transfer Walker Eget will be the starting quarterback for the team’s season‑opening contest against Tulane on September 5 at home. The decision comes less than two weeks before kickoff and follows a position battle that also featured redshirt freshman Dan Mahan.
Coach Diaz explains the choice
Head coach Manny Diaz told reporters in a Zoom briefing that both quarterbacks offered distinct skill sets, but the final decision rested on “consistency,” a trait he associates with an older player who can maintain a steady level of play day after day. “Both guys have a different set of skillsets that we can frame our offense around,” Diaz said, adding that Eget’s track record gave him the edge.
Eget’s background and recent injury
Walker Eget spent five seasons at San Jose State, where he started 18 games and accumulated 3,051 passing yards with 17 touchdowns in the 2025 season. His senior year was cut short by a late‑season knee injury that required surgery. Despite the setback, Diaz noted that Eget repeatedly met health benchmarks during his recovery, saying, “Every time that there was a benchmark of monitoring his health and his ability to take the next step, he passed it every single time.”
Implications for Duke’s offense
With Eget at the helm, Duke hopes to build a more reliable offensive rhythm heading into ACC play. The Blue Devils captured their first outright Atlantic Coast Conference championship since 1962 last season, a milestone achieved in part by standout running back Darian Mensah, who transferred to Miami after the championship year. The coaching staff believes Eget’s experience will help sustain the momentum and provide leadership for a relatively young receiving corps.
Looking ahead to the Tulane matchup
The upcoming game against Tulane will be the first test of Eget’s integration into Duke’s system. Tulane, a competitive non‑conference opponent, will present a solid defensive challenge, giving the Blue Devils an early gauge of their offensive cohesion. Fans can expect a game that showcases Eget’s arm strength and decision‑making as he adapts to new play‑calling and teammates.
Community and fan response
Local supporters have expressed optimism on social media, highlighting the importance of veteran leadership on the quarterback position. Alumni and students alike anticipate a strong start to the season, hoping the team can build on last year’s historic conference title and contend for another ACC championship.
As the September 5 kickoff approaches, Duke’s coaching staff will continue to fine‑tune the offense, with Eget expected to lead practice reps and mentor younger players. The Blue Devils aim to deliver an exciting brand of football for the Durham community and maintain their upward trajectory in college football’s competitive landscape.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
