Duke Offensive Line Takes Bigger Role as Blue Devils Chase Another ACC Title

Duke enters the 2026 football season with expectations inside the program that are higher than many outside projections, and the offensive line is expected to carry a major share of the responsibility.

The Blue Devils have won 35 games over the last four seasons and are coming off their first outright ACC championship since 1962. Duke must replace three starting offensive linemen, but center Matt Craycraft and guard Jordan Larsen return as experienced starters.

Coach Manny Diaz also added veteran tackles Braden Miller from California and Nick Del Grande from Coastal Carolina. Del Grande did not allow a sack last season, according to Duke. Redshirt sophomore Bradley Smith is among the returning linemen competing for a larger role after logging 402 career snaps.

Craycraft, who has more than 2,000 snaps at Duke, is expected to anchor the group from center. The unit has emphasized cohesion and a more physical rushing attack as Duke prepares for another run at the ACC title.