The Athletic ballot exhibits Duke followers have misplaced optimism for soccer workforce

Not many individuals anticipated e to win the ACC championship final season, however the Blue Devils outlasted Virginia in time beyond regulation within the convention title recreation to just do that.

Heading into 2026, expectations for Manny Diaz’s squad are even decrease, with Duke picked to complete tenth within the league within the preseason media ballot and given extraordinarily low odds to repeat as convention champs.

However how do Duke followers really feel heading into the season? c, optimism surrounding this system has dropped regardless of back-to-back nine-win seasons and the convention title.

Solely 46 p.c of Blue Devils followers are optimistic heading into the season, a drop from 50 p.c final season, and, as The Athletic explains, there’s a easy purpose.

“Miami swiped quarterback Darian Mensah and receiver Cooper Barkate within the portal after each had advised the employees they deliberate to return to Durham.”

Shedding a possible first-round draft choose at quarterback and your main extensive receiver will definitely harm virtually each workforce. However, as Duke fan Ed writes, the protection may give some followers some positivity heading into Saturday’s matchup towards Tulane.

“Professionals: Numerous returning guys, notably on protection,” he wrote.

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This text initially appeared on Duke Wire: m