As the 2025 college football season approaches, the usual suspects in the ACC — Clemson, Florida State, and North Carolina — are generating plenty of preseason hype. But ESPN analyst Greg McElroy believes fans and analysts alike should keep a close eye on a team that could shake up the conference standings in a major way: the Duke Blue Devils.
McElroy recently tabbed Duke as a prime candidate to play spoiler in the ACC this fall. Under the guidance of head coach Manny Diaz, the Blue Devils exceeded expectations in 2024, finishing with an impressive 9-4 record. Now, heading into Diaz’s second season at the helm, McElroy sees even more potential for Duke to cause problems for some of the league’s top contenders.
“Duke is one of those teams that’s right on the edge,” McElroy said during a recent appearance on ESPN. “They’ve got the right mix of coaching, returning talent, and confidence. Don’t be surprised if they take down a few giants in the ACC this year.”
It’s a refreshing sentiment for a program that has long lived in the shadow of college football’s bluebloods. But since Diaz took over, the culture at Duke has been shifting — and quickly. Known for his aggressive defensive philosophy and emphasis on fundamentals, Diaz brought a new edge to the Blue Devils in 2024. That transformation was evident on the field, as Duke fielded one of the more underrated defensive units in the conference and displayed a level of consistency that had previously eluded the program.
Offensively, Duke has also made strides. The emergence of a capable quarterback and a more dynamic scheme allowed the Blue Devils to keep pace with more explosive teams, and with several key players returning, there’s optimism that the offense can take another step forward in 2025. A strong offensive line and an experienced core of skill players give Duke the foundation needed to be competitive every week — and dangerous in the right moments.
The 2025 schedule also sets the stage for potential upsets. Duke will have opportunities to face several of the ACC’s top programs, and McElroy believes those matchups could define just how disruptive the Blue Devils can be.
“Every year, there’s a team that surprises everyone, a team that maybe doesn’t win the conference but wrecks someone else’s shot at doing it,” McElroy noted. “Duke has that kind of DNA this year.”
The road ahead won’t be easy. In a deep and evolving ACC, it takes more than a few talented pieces to compete consistently. But with a coach like Manny Diaz, who’s instilled belief and built a tough, resilient program, Duke has every reason to aim higher than ever before.
While the national spotlight may still be aimed elsewhere, don’t be surprised if the Blue Devils find themselves playing in — and winning — some of the most consequential games of the ACC season. Greg McElroy certainly won’t be surprised. In fact, he’s already calling it: Duke is ready to play spoiler. And if 2024 was a hint, 2025 might just be the year the Blue Devils fully step into the spotlight.