With so many new faces in the Duke football program heading into the 2026 season, the team's returning veterans will be highly important leaders.
The Blue Devils were hit hard after securing their first ACC Championship in over 30 years last season, with key departures via the transfer portal and the NFL Draft leaving the roster in a very different spot than when the campaign ended.
Jul 17, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke head coach Manny Diaz talks with the media during interviews at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Nonetheless, there have been some positive storylines throughout the Blue Devils' fall camp, and there is room for optimism for Duke fans heading into Year 3 under head coach Manny Diaz.
With the veterans leading the charge for Diaz and Co., here is one Blue Devil who is setting the tone heading into the year.
Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils tight end Jeremiah Hasley (85) celebrates with tight end Landen King (0) after scoring the winning touchdown in overtime during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Duke tight end Jeremiah Hasley will enter his final college football season as arguably the best tight end in the ACC. In 2025, Hasley compiled 40 receptions for 454 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He finished fourth on the team in catches and yards and second in receiving touchdowns.
With the receiver room currently a big question mark, Hasley figures to be one of the mainstays in a pass-catching role. He is currently four touchdowns away from breaking the Duke football all-time tight end touchdown record.
Jul 17, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke's tight end Jeremiah Hasley talks with the media during interviews at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
In the Blue Devils' second scrimmage of fall camp, Hasley set the tone for the season. The passing offense as a whole had a solid day, with Hasley notching a team-high six receptions for 55 yards. I expect him to see a fair number of targets on a consistent basis once the regular season rolls around.
Penn's Jared Richardson gets the Quakers on the board with a 18-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter at Delaware Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Hasley might be the more sure-thing pass-catcher of any Blue Devil heading into the year. Duke's receiving room presents some intrigue and has talent, but just about every part of it is unproven at the Power Conference level.
There seems to be a general sense that Penn transfer Jared Richardson will take over as the Blue Devils' top receiver this season. Richardson had a highly productive career with the Quakers, compiling almost 200 catches for over 2,500 yards. Still, he's never done it at a level like the ACC.
Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils tight end Jeremiah Hasley (85) celebrates a touchdown in the first quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
After Richardson, there's Charlotte transfer Javen Nicholas and then a slew of young returners looking to make moves up the depth chart, including Jaivon Solomon, Jayden Moore, and Jamien Little.
Hasley should be a focal point for the Duke offense in 2026 and could set some records along the way.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/duke as One Duke Football Veteran Setting the Tone This August .
