Duke Spring Football Notebook: Blue Devils Begin Their 2025 Season Prep

As the crisp spring air settles over Durham, North Carolina, the Duke University Blue Devils have officially kicked off their spring football practices, marking the beginning of an important phase in their preparation for the 2025 college football season. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko, who enters his third year at the helm of the program, Duke is looking to build upon the successes of the previous seasons and further establish itself as a competitive force within the ACC.

Spring football is an opportunity for players to prove their worth, for position battles to take shape, and for coaches to begin shaping the identity of their team ahead of the grueling fall campaign. For the Blue Devils, who finished with a solid 9-4 record in 2024 and a victory in the Military Bowl, there is much anticipation surrounding their progress. Duke made a significant leap under Elko’s leadership, and with several key players returning, coupled with fresh faces ready to make their mark, the spring is crucial for continued development and improvement.

This Duke Spring Football Notebook will take a deep dive into the key storylines, position battles, and players to watch as the Blue Devils begin their journey to the 2025 season. From evaluating returning players to identifying newcomers who can contribute right away, spring practice is the foundation for the Blue Devils’ success in the fall.

Spring Practice Overview: A Fresh Start

For Duke’s football program, spring practice serves as a moment to re-assess their goals, build chemistry, and identify the right pieces to execute head coach Mike Elko’s vision. As a program that saw substantial growth in just Elko’s second season, there is much to be excited about. However, there are also key areas that need to be addressed, most notably finding replacements for key departures and solidifying areas of depth.

In 2024, the Blue Devils emerged as one of the more surprising and competitive teams in the ACC. They made strides on both sides of the ball and finished with a respectable bowl victory. However, there’s no question that Duke still has areas to improve upon. One of the central questions heading into spring football will be how the Blue Devils can build upon their successes while simultaneously correcting their weaknesses.

The practices are intense and demanding, with a heavy focus on improving technical fundamentals, situational football, and ensuring that players are in peak condition ahead of the fall season. The team’s depth will also be tested as Duke looks to develop its talent, both established and new.

Key Position Battles to Watch

One of the most exciting aspects of spring football is the opportunity for position battles to emerge. For Duke, this spring presents several important competitions that could determine the course of the 2025 season. Whether it’s an open spot on defense, a backup role on the offensive line, or a fight for the starting quarterback position, these spring practices are the perfect time for players to earn their spot in the lineup.

1. Quarterback Battle: Replacing Riley Leonard

Arguably the most intriguing storyline for Duke in spring 2025 is the quarterback battle. The Blue Devils are tasked with replacing Riley Leonard, who was the heart and soul of the offense over the past few seasons. Leonard’s decision to enter the NFL Draft leaves a massive void, both in terms of leadership and on-field production. Leonard was not only a proficient passer but also a dynamic dual-threat quarterback capable of changing the course of a game.

Now, with Leonard gone, Jordan Moore is expected to be one of the top contenders for the starting job. Moore, a dual-threat quarterback, brings a different skill set to the table compared to Leonard. Known for his mobility and ability to make plays with his legs, Moore’s style fits well within the up-tempo offense that Duke has developed under Elko. He’s spent time as a backup and is familiar with the system, but how he handles a full-time role remains to be seen.

Another contender for the job is Will Davis, a strong-armed quarterback who brings more of a traditional pocket-passing style to the offense. Davis showed flashes of promise during his limited action in 2024, and spring practices will be an important test for him as he competes for the starting position. His development could shape the future of Duke’s passing game.

This quarterback battle will be one of the key storylines to follow during spring ball, as it will have a profound impact on Duke’s offensive identity heading into the fall.

2. Offensive Line: Finding Continuity After Key Departures

The offensive line is another position group that will be crucial for Duke’s success in 2025. While the Blue Devils return a few key players along the offensive line, including Zach Dobbins and Wyatt Miller, several departures from last season have left a hole that will need to be filled during spring ball. Matt Dellea, an anchor on the line, has graduated, and Duke will need to replace that leadership and consistency upfront.

One player to watch is Willie Mays, who has the potential to take on a larger role this season. Mays is a versatile lineman who has experience both at tackle and guard and could be an important piece for the Blue Devils as they look to develop depth across the front. Additionally, younger players such as Luke Edwards and Brendan Timmons will be battling for starting spots. The development of this group is crucial, as they will be responsible for protecting whichever quarterback wins the starting job and creating running lanes for Duke’s backs.

If the offensive line can gel and establish a cohesive unit, the Blue Devils will have a much better chance at competing for an ACC title. Spring practices will be a critical time for Duke to find the right combination of players and ensure the offense runs efficiently.

3. Wide Receiver: Strengthening the Passing Game

Duke has a solid group of wide receivers returning for 2025, including Jontavis Robertson and Jahmal Banks, both of whom were standout performers last season. Robertson, in particular, is a playmaking machine, capable of turning any pass into a big gain. Banks, with his size and ability to win contested catches, will be a key target in Duke’s passing attack.

However, there is a need for more consistency and depth in the wide receiver corps. Elijah Stewart, a sophomore, is someone to watch closely during spring practices. Stewart is a talented wideout who has the potential to take on a larger role in 2025, especially with the uncertainty at quarterback. His chemistry with the new signal-caller will be vital as the Blue Devils look to expand their passing game.

Freshmen and underclassmen are also in the mix for playing time, as Tyrell Green and Jack Houston will look to prove themselves during spring ball. The Blue Devils need to find more reliable weapons in the passing game to support the new quarterback, and the spring will be a time for these younger players to show they can contribute.

4. Defensive Line: Reloading for Another Strong Season

While the offense is evolving, the Duke defense will continue to be a strong suit for the team in 2025. DeWayne Carter, a standout defensive lineman, is gone, and the Blue Devils must find ways to replace his production. Fortunately, Duke has several talented defensive linemen who are primed to step up. Jacolby Spells is one player who will look to have a breakout season. Spells showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 and could be a key contributor for the Blue Devils this year.

Additionally, younger players like James Keels Jr. and Travis Jackson will have the chance to make an immediate impact. These players will be vital in the spring as they compete for starting roles and depth spots along the defensive line. The ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stop the run will be essential for Duke’s defense, and spring practice is the time to figure out the right combinations along the line.

5. Linebacker Corps: Leadership and Versatility

With the departure of Shaka Heyward, Duke must find new leadership and production from its linebacker group. Derrick Tangelo and Darius Joiner are experienced players who will step into larger roles, but there is plenty of competition for starting spots. Younger players such as Will Harris and Kyle McMullen are expected to compete for time, and spring practice is their opportunity to prove they can contribute to a defense that is one of the Blue Devils’ strongest units.

The linebacker position will need to be versatile, as they will be tasked with stopping both the run and providing coverage in the passing game. Duke’s defense has historically relied on a strong linebacker corps, and that will remain the case in 2025. The leadership and playmaking ability of this group will be essential to the team’s success.

A Spring to Set the Foundation

As the Duke Blue Devils begin their spring football practices, the coaching staff, players, and fans alike are excited to see what the 2025 season will bring. With a solid foundation built in 2024 and a roster full of talented and hungry players, the Blue Devils have an opportunity to take the next step as a program.

The battles for key positions—especially quarterback, offensive line, and defensive line—will be critical as Duke looks to compete for an ACC championship and return to a major bowl game. Spring practice provides the perfect setting for players to prove themselves and show they can handle the challenges that await in the fall.

For head coach Mike Elko, this spring represents another important milestone in building the program he envisions for the Blue Devils. As Duke continues to climb in the ACC rankings, the work done this spring will lay the groundwork for success in the 2025 season and beyond. With exciting new players, returning stars, and a dedicated coaching staff, Duke football is in for a thrilling journey as the team prepares for the fall.