How Duke Basketball Continued Disrespect Translating to Football

The Duke football program is forcing itself into relevancy in 2026.

Duke might be the most underrated team in college football right now, as head coach Manny Diaz and his staff once again have their program competing at the top of the ACC. Diaz has not only kept Duke competitive since taking over from Mike Elko, but has also kept it among the ACC’s most successful programs over the last three years.

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Diaz is 22-9 at the helm for the Blue Devils and delivered the team’s first ACC Championship since 1989 last season. Four weeks into the 2026 season, the Blue Devils are 4-0. Still, it doesn’t feel like they are getting the respect they deserve.

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

How Duke Basketball Disrespect Translating to Duke Football

It’s no secret that Duke is a basketball school. Over 42 years under Mike Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils became one of college basketball’s premier programs and remain that way today.

Krzyzewski brought Duke to 13 Final Four appearances and five National Championships. Duke also won 15 ACC Tournament titles under arguably the greatest men’s college basketball coach ever.

Nov 11, 2025; West Point, New York, USA; Former Duke Blue Devils and Army head coach Mike Krzyzewski is honored by West Point before a game between the Army Black Knights and Duke Blue Devils at Christl Arena. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Duke was a recruiting powerhouse, regularly brought in elite classes, and consistently operated as one of the top teams in the sport. Naturally, that turned Duke into one of the most “hateable” programs in the country.

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Players like Christian Laettner and Grayson Allen added to this, too, with some controversial attitudes and plays at times….

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/duke-basketball-continued-disrespect-translating-110006750.html

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Publish date : 2026-09-30 11:00:00

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