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The 2026 Duke Blue Devils football schedule opens at home with a high-profile nonconference matchup against Tulane on September 5 before road trips to Illinois and home showdowns with Stanford and William and Mary through late September. Head coach Manny Diaz enters his fourth season with a Duke program that has developed into one of the more competitive teams in the ACC.
2026 Duke Blue Devils Football Schedule
| Wk | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sat, Sep 5 | vs Tulane Green Wave | 3:30 PM | ACCN |
| 2 | Sat, Sep 12 | @ Illinois Fighting Illini | TBD | TBD |
| 3 | Sat, Sep 19 | vs Stanford Cardinal | TBD | TBD |
| 4 | Sat, Sep 26 | vs William & Mary Tribe | 3:30 PM | ACCNX |
| Open Date – Bye Week (Sat, Oct 3) | ||||
| 6 | Sat, Oct 10 | @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets | TBD | TBD |
| 7 | Sat, Oct 17 | vs North Carolina Tar Heels | TBD | TBD |
| 8 | Fri, Oct 23 | @ Virginia Cavaliers | 7:00 PM | ESPN |
| 9 | Sat, Oct 31 | vs Boston College Eagles | TBD | TBD |
| 10 | Sat, Nov 7 | @ NC State Wolfpack | TBD | TBD |
| 11 | Sat, Nov 14 | @ Miami Hurricanes | TBD | TBD |
| 12 | Fri, Nov 20 | vs Clemson Tigers | 7:30 PM | ESPN |
| 13 | Sat, Nov 28 | @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons | TBD | TBD |
All times Eastern. TBD = kickoff/TV not yet announced. Updated May 27, 2026.
Duke plays three of its first four games at Wallace Wade Stadium before a bye and the start of ACC play at Georgia Tech in October. The schedule features notable home matchups against North Carolina, Boston College, and Clemson, with road tests at Virginia, NC State, and Miami in between. The regular season closes at Wake Forest on November 28 in a game that could carry bowl positioning implications for both programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Duke head coach in 2026?
Manny Diaz enters his fourth season as head coach of the Duke Blue Devils in 2026. Diaz came to Duke from Penn State, where he served as defensive coordinator, and previously head-coached at Miami. He has brought defensive expertise and a more aggressive recruiting approach to Durham, contributing to the program’s rise as a competitive ACC contender.
Where do the Duke Blue Devils play home games in 2026?
Duke plays home games at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. The stadium seats approximately 40,000 fans and is located on the Duke University campus. Despite its modest size, Wallace Wade Stadium has hosted some of the program’s most memorable victories as Duke has elevated its profile in the ACC under recent coaching staffs.
When does Duke play North Carolina in 2026?
Duke hosts North Carolina at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 17, 2026. The rivalry, known as the Battle for Tobacco Road, is one of the most competitive in-state matchups in the ACC. The Duke-UNC football series has grown in significance in recent years as both programs have become more consistent contenders in the conference.
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Resource Hub
Duke Blue Devils
Everything you need for the 2026 college football season.
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| → 2026 College Football Schedule Full FBS slate with kickoff times and TV networks. |
| → 2026-27 College Football Playoff Bracket The 12-team bracket, dates, and projected matchups. |
| → 2026-27 Bowl Game Schedule Every bowl game, date, and matchup in one place. |
| → ACC Football Standings Live ACC standings, records, and results. |
