ACC Football – Duke vs Elon Game Preview

DURHAM, N.C- Finally, Duke football begins its 2025 season on Thursday night with a non-conference matchup against in-state opponent Elon at Wallace Wade Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed on ESPN+ and ACC Network Extra.

The Blue Devils are coming off a nine-win season in 2024, their first under head coach Manny Diaz. With a strong foundation returning on both sides of the ball, Duke looks to build on that momentum as it transitions into year two of Diaz’s tenure.

Quarterback play will be a central storyline this fall after the departure of the record breaking QB Maliq Murphey to Oregon State. Thursday’s game marks the Duke debut of Darian Mensah, a transfer from Tulane that is expected to provide a blend of arm talent and mobility. Mensah is thought to be one of the top QB- gets in this year’s transfer portal.  Mensah inherits an offense that returns four of five starters on the offensive line, but one that has undergone significant turnover at the skill positions. Eli Pancol and Jordan Moore graduated while running back Starr Thomas transferred to Tennessee. 

At receiver, the Blue Devils will feature several new faces, including transfers Andrel Anthony and Cooper Barkate. Their development, along with the performance of Duke’s running backs led by Jaquez Moore-who spent the majority of the 2024 season with a foot injury- will dictate how the offense performs this season. 

Defensively, Duke looks to continue the success it established in 2024. The defensive line is again expected to be one of the team’s strengths, with depth and experience across the unit. 

The secondary also returns experienced contributors, including All-ACC cornerback Chandler Rivers giving Duke the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks while limiting big plays downfield. Against Elon, the defense’s ability to set the tone early could help take control of the game.

Elon enters its seventh season under head coach Tony Trisciani. The Phoenix finished .500 a year ago and will rely on several new starters, especially transfer quarterback Marco Lainez. The program also welcomed veteran coordinator Doug Martin to lead the offense, adding more change to the Phoenix this season. 

For Thursday’s matchup, the Phoenix are looking to compete. The Blue Devils have their sights set on making a wave on the national level, and may overlook a FCS opponent to start the season. 

What to Watch

For Duke, the season opener is less about the final score and more about execution. With the #12 Illinois from the Big 10 looming in week 2, the Blue Devils will be focused on establishing rhythm on offense, developing chemistry in the passing game, and evaluating depth at multiple positions. Defensively, the goal will be to limit big plays while giving younger players opportunities in rotation.

Oddsmakers project Duke as a heavy favorite, and most analysts expect the Blue Devils to control the game. Still, season openers often bring unexpected challenges, making Thursday a chance for Duke to prove it can start fast and sustain momentum into September against more stout competition.