The annual Blue-White showdown, marking the culmination of Duke Football’s spring practice, offered a tantalizing glimpse into the squad’s promising future under second-year head coach Manny Diaz. Held inside Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium on April 19, 2025, the thrilling intrasquad scrimmage saw the offense (Blue Team) edge out the defense (White Team) in a high-scoring affair, 38-26. More than just a final score, the game served as a vital evaluation tool, showcasing a blend of returning veterans and an influx of fresh talent, all while providing critical insights into the team’s depth and strategic direction for the upcoming 2025 season.
The most significant takeaway from the spring game was undoubtedly the performance of the quarterbacks, particularly rising redshirt sophomore Darian Mensah, a highly touted transfer from Tulane. Mensah, making his public debut in a Duke uniform, displayed remarkable poise and accuracy, immediately seizing control of the offense. On the opening drive, he capped off a composed series with a 33-yard touchdown pass to rising redshirt sophomore Spencer Jones, demonstrating his arm talent and chemistry with his receivers. Mensah continued to impress on his second drive, overcoming a low snap to connect with rising redshirt sophomore Que’Sean Brown for a spectacular 75-yard touchdown. His final stat line—an estimated 12 of 14 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns—was a testament to his sharp decision-making and comfort within the new offensive scheme. Coach Diaz himself lauded Mensah’s performance, stating, “I certainly thought that our quarterbacks were in control. I thought Darian did a great job, starting off with a touchdown drive. I think he finished 12 of 14 (passing), which is a continuation of what we’ve seen all spring.” This stellar showing from Mensah alleviates many of the questions surrounding Duke’s quarterback situation following the departure of last year’s starter and positions him as the clear frontrunner to lead the offense this fall.
Beyond Mensah, the depth in the quarterback room also received positive reviews. Rising redshirt junior Henry Belin IV, who saw action later in the scrimmage, also contributed to the offensive scoreboard, connecting with rising redshirt senior Sahmir Hagans for a 31-yard touchdown. Even true freshman Dan Mahan, stepping in towards the end of the game, found success, throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to Spencer Jones to seal the offensive victory. This depth at the most crucial position bodes well for Duke, providing a strong contingency plan and fostering healthy competition heading into fall camp.
The offensive explosion wasn’t solely due to the quarterbacks. The wide receiver corps, despite the departures of key veterans, showed immense promise. Que’Sean Brown, a rising redshirt sophomore, emerged as a significant threat, hauling in six catches for 145 yards and a touchdown, including the long 75-yard score. His ability to create separation and make plays after the catch will be vital for the Blue Devils’ aerial attack. Sahmir Hagans also proved to be a reliable target, securing four catches for 46 yards and a touchdown. Spencer Jones, with his two touchdown receptions, demonstrated his physicality and red-zone prowess. The development of these receivers, alongside the additions of transfers like Cooper Barkate from Harvard and Andrel Anthony from Oklahoma, suggests a more dynamic and explosive passing game for Duke in 2025.
While the offense celebrated its scoring prowess, the defense also had its moments of brilliance, particularly in the second and third quarters. After an initial offensive surge, the White Team’s defense found its rhythm, forcing four three-and-outs and tallying three sacks to narrow the gap. Rising redshirt senior Tre Freeman, a key leader of Duke’s defensive front seven, showcased his disruptive capabilities, contributing to the pressure alongside rising redshirt junior Wesley Williams, rising sophomore Tyshon Reed, and rising redshirt freshman Kobe Smith. In the third quarter, the defense truly dominated, recording a fourth-down stop, another three-and-out, and a sack from rising redshirt sophomore Luke Mergott, highlighting the unit’s ability to create turnovers and stifle drives. This resilience and ability to adjust, despite the limited format of a spring game, indicates a strong defensive foundation under Coach Diaz, a renowned defensive mind.
The scrimmage also served as an important platform for evaluating the team’s overall depth. Manny Diaz, as a second-year head coach, has clearly prioritized bringing in fresh talent through both recruiting and the transfer portal to complement his returning veterans. The 2025 incoming class, ranked impressively at No. 34 nationally by On3 and featuring 35 commits including 28 prep prospects and seven transfers, was well-represented on the field. Beyond the established names, several younger players seized the opportunity to impress the coaching staff, showcasing their potential to contribute in the upcoming season. The rotation of players throughout the game allowed the coaching staff to assess individual progress and identify those ready to step into bigger roles. This focus on developing a robust two-deep is crucial for navigating the rigors of an ACC schedule.
However, the spring game also highlighted areas for improvement. While the offensive line featured some projected starters like Justin Pickett and Bruno Fina, key returning starters like Matt Craycraft and Brian Parker II were sidelined, impacting the unit’s continuity. The absence of Micah Sahakian, who was seen on crutches, further emphasized the need for depth and healthy returns along the offensive front. Coach Diaz expressed confidence that the healthy return of these veterans would be a significant factor in the team’s success, but the spring game underscored the importance of developing younger linemen to step up if needed.
The atmosphere around Duke Football is one of cautious optimism. The 9-4 record in 2024, including signature wins and a bowl appearance, signaled a significant turnaround for the program. The Blue-White game further fueled this excitement, providing tangible evidence of continued progress. The additions of high-caliber transfers like Darian Mensah at quarterback and Caleb Weaver in the secondary, coupled with a strong recruiting class, suggest that Duke is looking to build on its recent success and emerge as a legitimate contender in the ACC. Manny Diaz’s emphasis on discipline, toughness, and relentless effort was evident in the competitive nature of the scrimmage, even in a controlled environment.
As the Blue Devils transition from spring practice to fall camp, the focus will shift to refining schemes, building chemistry, and ensuring the health of all players. The performances in the Blue-White game provided valuable data points for the coaching staff to analyze and integrate into their preparations for the season opener against Elon on August 28. The offensive fireworks and defensive flashes from the scrimmage offer a compelling preview of what Duke Football aims to achieve in 2025. With a blend of seasoned leadership and promising new talent, the Blue Devils are poised to unleash a thrilling brand of football that could well
