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Duke-Tulane preview & prediction: Two champs enter 2026 with new rosters
- Tulane's defensive matchup strength was run defense after allowing 122.6 rushing yards per game last season while returning safety Jack Tchienchou and linebacker Chris Rodgers.
- Duke quarterback Walker Eget was expected to benefit from play action if the run works, but the article flagged turnover risk if Tulane forces him into pressure and long-yardage passing downs.
- Tulane quarterback Zeon Chriss-Gremillion's rushing ability was identified as the primary problem for Duke's defense because designed runs, options, and scrambles could alter coverage structure.
- The preview leaned Duke 31-23 because Duke had the more stable staff, the established back in Sheppard, home field, and a deeper defense attacking Tulane's rebuilt offensive line.
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QB competition
- QB/LB: Guys the NIL deals the last two years have actually kind of curbed this a bit.
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Opponent outlook: Tulane brings championship standard and substantial turnover to Durham
- Tulane promoted passing-game coordinator Will Hall to head coach and retained much of the position staff, but the roster returns only five starters from its 2025 playoff team.
- Zeon Chriss-Gremillion won Tulane's quarterback competition after compiling 2,263 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 992 rushing yards and 10 rushing scores across 13 career starts.
- Jamauri McClure leads a flexible Tulane backfield after averaging 6.5 yards per carry in 2025, with Maurice Turner and Johnnie Daniels joining a rotation that can align multiple backs in space.
- Right guard Reese Baker is Tulane's only returning primary offensive-line starter, leaving four new starters to replace a 2025 unit that allowed fewer than one sack per game.
- Tulane must rebuild most of a defensive front that helped produce 36 sacks and 25 takeaways, with South Alabama transfer Ed Smith IV the most experienced addition.
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Opponent news
- QB/LB: I just updated the score and mentioned on the AAC thread that neither team looked particularly good.
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