Nate Sheppard Runs for 227 Yards as Duke Beats Tulane 17-3

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke opened the 2026 football season with a 17-3 victory over Tulane on Saturday night at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, powered by a career performance from running back Nate Sheppard.

Sheppard rushed for a career-high 227 yards and two touchdowns, including 139 yards in the first half. His total ranks fifth on Duke's single-game rushing list and made him the first Blue Devil to top 200 rushing yards since Mataeo Durant ran for a school-record 255 against Charlotte in 2021.

Duke's opener began after a 90-minute weather delay. The Blue Devils then put together a 17-play, 75-yard opening drive that ended with Sheppard's nine-yard touchdown run. Cosme Salas added a 22-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter to give Duke a 10-0 halftime lead.

Tulane cut the margin to 10-3 in the fourth quarter, but Sheppard answered with a 19-yard touchdown run that capped a 12-play, 75-yard drive and put the game away. Duke's defense did not allow a touchdown and closed the game by forcing a three-and-out and two straight turnovers on downs.

Quarterback Walker Eget made his Duke debut and threw for 131 yards. Duke improves to 1-0 and has now won five consecutive season openers.

The Blue Devils travel to Illinois next Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on FS1.