Duke Football Opens 2026 Saturday Against Tulane at Wallace Wade

Duke begins its 2026 football season Saturday in Durham with a challenging opener against Tulane. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, with the game televised on ACC Network.

The Blue Devils enter the new season after winning the 2025 ACC Championship, adding a Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl victory and finishing with nine wins under head coach Manny Diaz. Saturday gives Duke its first opportunity to build on that momentum in front of the home crowd.

Tulane brings a strong recent résumé to Durham. The Green Wave went 11-3 last season, won the American Conference championship and reached the College Football Playoff before finishing No. 18 in the final Associated Press poll.

For Triad-area Duke fans, the opener is the first of six scheduled home games in 2026. Fans who cannot make the trip to Durham can watch the matchup on ACC Network.