Duke football's defense made vast improvements in head coach Manny Diaz's debut season.

The Blue Devils finished second nationally in tackles for loss per game (8.9), second in fumbles recovered (14) and fourth in sacks per game (3.3).

With five starters returning from that disruptive 2024 unit, the Blue Devils aim to build on that momentum in 2025. Fans will get their first look when Duke hosts Elon in the season opener on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Wallace Wade Stadium.

Without further ado, here are the most impactful defensive players to watch for in the 2025 Duke football season. Buy Duke football tickets

Duke football's most impactful defensive players to watch in 2025

1. Chandler Rivers, cornerback

A returning All-American and First Team All-ACC cornerback, Rivers enters the 202

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