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2025 Duke Preview
Duke Offense Breakdown
Duke Defense Breakdown
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season
– The offense wasn’t along for the ride, but it didn’t exactly hold up its end of the bargain like the defense did. It was horrible on third downs, the passing game wasn’t effective enough, and the rushing attack was among the worst in the nation.
– Quarterback Maalik Murphy was and is great, but he threw too many picks and didn’t hit enough third down throws to keep things moving. He’s off to Oregon State, the program paid retail for Darian Mensah from Tulane, and now the big downfield plays should come. Henry Belin IV is a strong No. 2 option.
– Que’Sean Brown and Sahmir Hagans are decent returning receivers – they finished third and fourth in yards, respectively, but the firepower is coming in through the portal.
Andrel Anthony started his career at Michigan, went to Oklahoma, and wasn’t able to stay healthy. If he’s in one piece, he’s a deep threat star on the outside. Cooper Barkate (Harvard) caught 63 passes for 1,084 yards and 11 scores last season.
– The offensive line was among the best in the nation in pass protection, but it didn’t do much for the running game that averaged just 93 yards per game. Almost all of the starters from late in the season are back, with Brian Parker the best of the lot at one tackle job.
– Jaquez Moore was second on the team in rushing in 2023, got hurt last year, and now he’s back, along with last year’s second-leading rusher, Peyton Jones. Mensah will add rushing yards, too.
Duke Defense Breakdown
2025 Duke Preview
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season
