Duke University’s football program has always had a unique place in the world of college athletics. As the Blue Devils continue to work their way through the rough and often tumultuous ACC, fans have come to expect moments of brilliance punctuated by challenges, which is what makes their spring game so significant year after year. This season, in particular, there was a sense of optimism and excitement emanating from the stands as fans gathered for the Blue Devils’ annual spring showcase. As the team prepares for a new chapter in the upcoming season, the spring game gave an intriguing glimpse into what might be in store.
As with most spring games, the atmosphere at Duke’s Wallace Wade Stadium was electric, with the energy of both fans and players palpable. The game, typically a non-consequential scrimmage to evaluate returning players and integrate newcomers, felt different this time. There was an undeniable anticipation, a buzz in the air suggesting that the program is on the verge of something special.
Duke’s head coach, Mike Elko, enters his third year at the helm, and there’s a clear sense that the culture and foundation he’s building are starting to take root. Elko, a defensive mastermind, has been instrumental in changing the team’s overall approach, fostering a tough and disciplined style of play. He’s been instrumental in turning around a program that had struggled for consistency. His first two seasons saw a notable improvement in the Blue Devils’ performance, and the spring game highlighted many of the key elements that have shaped the team under his leadership.
What stood out most during the spring game was the development of Duke’s offense. The quarterback position, often a point of uncertainty for many teams, appears to be one of the team’s strongest assets this season. Riley Leonard, the standout sophomore quarterback, has solidified his place as the team’s leader and primary playmaker. Last season, Leonard showed flashes of brilliance, and the spring game served as a confirmation that he’s ready to take the next step. His arm strength, coupled with his ability to read defenses and make smart decisions, has put him in a position to lead this offense with confidence.
In the spring game, Leonard demonstrated poise beyond his years. He orchestrated a variety of drives, showcasing his ability to make throws both on the move and from the pocket. One sequence, in particular, stood out—Leonard drove the offense downfield with a series of pinpoint passes that put the defense on its heels. What was most impressive, though, was his ability to spread the ball around to a variety of different playmakers. With talented receivers such as Jalon Calhoun, Sahmir Hagans, and freshman standout Jordan Moore emerging as significant contributors, Leonard has a wealth of options to choose from.
The offensive line also showed improvement. While they’ve been a point of concern in recent seasons, there seems to be a growing confidence in the front five. They were able to give Leonard ample time to survey the field and make his reads, which bodes well for the upcoming season. The running game, while not explosive during the spring game, has the potential to be more balanced with the return of Jaylen Coleman and the emergence of freshman running back Dante Wiggins, who showed flashes of brilliance in limited action. Coleman, who has been a steady contributor for the Blue Devils, will likely shoulder a significant portion of the workload this fall. His ability to grind out tough yards will be crucial to helping balance Duke’s offense and take some pressure off Leonard.
The defense, always a cornerstone of Mike Elko’s philosophy, was as aggressive and disciplined as ever. Under Elko’s watch, the defense has become a force to be reckoned with, and they showed just how formidable they can be during the spring game. The secondary, which has always been a strength, looked sharp, with cornerbacks like Dorian Mawins and safety DeWayne Alford making plays on the ball. This unit is expected to be one of the best in the ACC, and the spring game provided a glimpse of just how much they can disrupt the opposition.
One of the highlights of the defense’s performance was the front seven. Duke’s defensive line is poised to be one of the most dominant in recent memory. The defensive line’s ability to get pressure on the quarterback was apparent throughout the scrimmage. The unit’s ability to collapse the pocket and generate pressure without blitzing is a testament to the strength and depth of the defensive line. Senior defensive end RJ Oben is primed for a breakout season, and his leadership will be crucial in anchoring the defensive front. Behind him, linebackers like Shaka Heyward and Jaylen Stinson displayed their versatility and sideline-to-sideline range, making it clear that this defense is capable of suffocating opponents and forcing turnovers.
The spring game also served as a reminder of how important special teams are in college football. Duke’s special teams, often overlooked in the past, have become a focal point under Elko’s leadership. Kicker Charlie Ham, a reliable leg for the Blue Devils, showed his accuracy during the game, converting on a couple of field goals from varying distances. While it was a relatively low-pressure environment, his consistency will be key for Duke as they look to win games that come down to the wire. Additionally, the return game had its moments, with several explosive returns that could translate into game-changing plays when the season kicks off.
But it wasn’t just the returning players who shined during the spring game. The influx of talented newcomers added another layer of excitement to the event. Duke has made significant strides on the recruiting trail, and this year’s class is expected to bring in immediate contributors. Freshman wide receiver Jordan Moore, who had been generating buzz all spring, made an impact with several big catches that left fans clamoring for more. The Blue Devils are hoping that Moore can continue his development and become a significant weapon in the passing game. Another freshman to keep an eye on is running back Dante Wiggins, who demonstrated a unique combination of speed and vision, making him a dangerous asset out of the backfield.
While the spring game was largely a celebration of Duke football’s potential, it also served as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. The ACC, always one of the toughest conferences in college football, will provide stiff competition, and Duke’s path to a bowl game will be filled with tough opponents. With teams like Clemson, Florida State, and North Carolina looming on the schedule, Duke will need to be at its best to make noise in the conference. The spring game, however, provided fans with a sense of optimism that Duke is ready to take the next step. With a strong quarterback, a more confident offensive line, and a defense that has the potential to shut down even the most potent offenses, the Blue Devils look poised to surprise some teams in the fall.
As the fans filed out of Wallace Wade Stadium that afternoon, the atmosphere was electric. There was a genuine sense of excitement about the season ahead. For Duke, the spring game served as both a culmination of the hard work put in during the offseason and a teaser of what’s to come. The Blue Devils have a foundation built on discipline, talent, and the leadership of Coach Mike Elko. As the 2025 season draws near, the program is ready to take the next step and prove that they belong in the conversation of ACC contenders. The spring game was just a taste of the excitement, and the fans are eager to see how it all unfolds when the real games begin.