Duke football has a new starting quarterback. The Blue Devils named sixth-year San José State transfer Walker Eget as their starter on Tuesday morning, ending a competition that spanned fall camp. Head coach Manny Diaz announced the decision, explaining that consistency was the key factor.

A Decision Based on Consistency

Speaking at a media availability on Tuesday, Aug. 25, Diaz said, "It was a good decision because it was a hard decision." He praised both quarterbacks, noting, "We're really pleased at how both quarterbacks developed. ... Both guys have a different skill set that we can frame our offense around. But when it all came down to it, it was just about consistency, which is normally what you expect from an older guy."

Eget joined Duke from the transfer portal after Darian Mensah's departure to Miami. He missed spring practice while recovering from an ACL tear sustained in 2024, making fall camp his first chance to take live reps with the team. Diaz highlighted Eget's progress, saying, "Every time there was a benchmark of monitoring his health and his ability to take the next step, he passed it every single time."

Eget's eligibility was also a question mark. "Walker had two issues, it wasn't just the injury, it was the eligibility," Diaz said. "There was no guarantee that he was going to be eligible this season. But after getting feedback on who he was as a person, watching his film, in comparison to everyone that was available and was out there, we still felt like he was worth the risk of going for." His sixth year of eligibility was approved by the NCAA shortly after.

Eget's Experience vs. Mahan's Potential

Eget brings two years of starting experience from San José State and 1,114 career snaps per Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound signal caller has thrown for 5,563 yards and 30 touchdowns in 18 career starts across 27 games. However, he has yet to face Power Conference competition.

Mahan, a redshirt freshman, has yet to see game action but possesses dual-threat ability. Diaz said Mahan made "really massive strides" with the reps he received in the spring while Eget was limited. The coach also left the door open for Mahan, not ruling out the possibility that he could see the field this season.

Competition Not Fully Closed?

While Eget has been named the starter, Diaz suggested the role isn't necessarily locked for the entire year. "You know, we're not even considering the separation aspect of it," Diaz said earlier in the week, according to a separate report. "We're looking at Walker [Eget] and Dan [Mahan] and, are they able to move the football and execute in our offense? They certainly both have slightly differing skill sets, and, you know, now you have a chance to, maybe this week, really try to highlight each of their strengths."

Duke's second scrimmage of fall camp is scheduled for this weekend, which could provide further clarity. Diaz has emphasized that the decision will come down to who can eliminate negative plays and decisions that impact winning and losing.

The Blue Devils open their 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5 against Tulane at Wallace Wade Stadium.