Not many predicted Duke to be 4-0 heading into its bye week, but that is exactly where the Blue Devils stand after an impressive start.
The critical win came in Week 2 at Illinois, where Nate Sheppard scored three touchdowns in a 31-27 victory.
But how does the rest of the season look for Manny Diaz’s squad? Here is how ESPN’s FPI has the rest of the season playing out.
(Ratings as of Monday, September 28.)
Week 6: at Georgia Tech - 74.6 percent
The Yellow Jackets have been on a downward trend since a season-opening loss to Colorado. This past Saturday’s loss to Stanford didn’t do anything to help Brent Key’s cause.
Week 7: vs. UNC - 71.4
The Tar Heels collapsed two weeks ago against Clemson and now host Notre Dame on Saturday. That could get ugly fast.
Week 8: at Virginia - 41.3 percent
One of the two remaining games in which Duke are underdogs,
the rematch of last year’s ACC title game is shaping up to be a good one.
Week 9: vs. Boston College - 90.4 percent
Bill O’Brien’s team is a complete mess.
Week 10: at NC State - 68.7 percent
So is Dave Doeren’s, who actually responded after the travesty two weeks ago with a win against Appalachian State.
Week 11: at Miami - 10.7 percent
The Hurricanes could be tested in Clemson on Saturday.
Week 12: vs. Clemson - 66.5 percent
A win against Miami would certainly help Dabo Swinney in his fight for his job, although Clemson wouldn’t pull the trigger just yet.
Week 13: at Wake Forest - 59.3 percent
The Demon Deacons walked out of Louisville with an upset win on Saturday, making this game even more interesting than it once was.
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This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Projecting rest of Duke football's 2026 season using ESPN FPI rankings
