Duke Football’s Recruiting Surge: Which Newcomers Could Change the Game This Season?

The buzz around Duke football is electric as the Blue Devils surge forward following their 2025 ACC title win. Manny Diaz and his squad have been busy, locking in an impressive 14 signees for the 2026 class—the second full roster Diaz’s guided since stepping onto Durham soil in late 2023. Eleven of these talented newcomers have already kicked off their journey early at Duke this January, signaling serious commitment and ambition. But that’s not the whole story—Diaz’s also eyeing 17 transfers through the portal, aiming to inject new life and experience into the team. While the February signing window (Feb. 4-6) opens the door for more moves, the Blue Devils appear set with what they’ve got. Curious about how these efforts stack up nationally and within the ACC? Dive into the rankings and get the full picture as National Signing Day approaches. LEARN MORE

Coming off the 2025 ACC championship, Duke football looks to keep its momentum growing in 2026.

Manny Diaz and Co. signed 14 new Blue Devils as part of Duke‘s 2026 class, marking Diaz’s second full recruiting class since arriving in Durham in December 2023. Out of the 14, 11 enrolled early at Duke in January.

In addition, Diaz and the Blue Devils are set to bring in 17 new additions via the transfer portal.

While the Blue Devils are unexpected to add anyone to their 2026 signing day class on Wednesday, the February signing period is open from Feb. 4-6.

Here’s a look at where Duke’s 2026 high school and portal classes rank heading into National Signing Day:

PORTAL HAUL: Duke football transfer portal: Additions, losses after window closes

Duke football football recruiting class rankings

247Sports Composite: No. 67 nationally, No. 16 ACC
On3: No. 65 nationally, No. 16 ACC
ESPN: No. 62 nationally

Duke football transfer class rankings

247Sports: No. 57 nationally
On3: No. 57 nationally

Anna Snyder covers Duke for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her @annaesnydr on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Duke football recruiting, transfer class rankings for 2026 cycle