Duke Football’s Rising Stars Shine Bright as Three Blue Devils Secure First-Team All-ACC Honors from Athlon Sports in Preseason Rankings
The anticipation surrounding the 2025 college football season continues to build as Duke football claims a spotlight moment with three of its top athletes earning First-Team All-ACC preseason honors from Athlon Sports. The recognition underscores Duke’s transformation into a program capable of competing at a high level in one of the most competitive conferences in college football. With these three standout players—each representing different phases of the game—Duke’s potential is not just hype; it’s backed by talent, production, and a renewed sense of belief.
In a conference stacked with perennial powerhouses like Clemson, Florida State, and North Carolina, it is no small feat for any team to place even one player on the All-ACC First Team. For Duke to land three names on this elite preseason list is an emphatic statement. These selections are not just a celebration of individual excellence but also a testament to the collective progress the Blue Devils have made in recent seasons. Whether on offense, defense, or special teams, these three athletes have become the cornerstones of a team that no longer lurks in the shadows but instead strides confidently into the spotlight.
For years, Duke football was more often associated with academic excellence and basketball dominance rather than gridiron glory. That narrative has changed drastically. The program’s investment in infrastructure, recruitment, and coaching has begun to pay off. This trio’s recognition serves as evidence of how far Duke has come—and perhaps how much further they still can go. Their inclusion on Athlon Sports’ First-Team All-ACC is not just a preseason accolade but a forecast of impact. If these three continue to perform at their current trajectory, Duke could be poised for a breakout season, possibly contending for an ACC title or a major bowl appearance.
The names selected—quarterback Riley Leonard, linebacker Tre Freeman, and wide receiver Jordan Moore—have each emerged as key figures in Duke’s resurgence. Leonard, a dual-threat quarterback with a powerful arm and elusive running ability, is the driving force behind Duke’s offense. His ability to lead the huddle and stretch the field with both his legs and arm has made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the conference. Leonard’s leadership, toughness, and game-breaking capability give Duke the kind of field general who can elevate an entire team. His selection is no surprise to those who have followed his rise.
Tre Freeman, the defensive stalwart, brings an unmatched physical presence to the linebacker position. He’s a heat-seeking missile in run defense and demonstrates an uncanny ability to diagnose plays. Whether he’s stuffing a running back in the backfield or dropping into coverage to intercept passes, Freeman’s versatility is what separates him from the pack. His awareness, combined with his sideline-to-sideline speed, makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He’s the kind of player who commands double teams and frees up his teammates to make plays. Freeman’s All-ACC nod reflects his central role in one of the ACC’s more underrated defenses.
Then there’s Jordan Moore, the electrifying wide receiver whose route-running and after-the-catch ability have turned heads across the country. Initially recruited as a quarterback, Moore made a selfless transition to wide receiver and has flourished ever since. His background as a signal-caller gives him an edge in reading defenses and finding open spots in coverage. Moore’s chemistry with Leonard has become one of Duke’s most potent weapons, turning routine slants into explosive gains and deep balls into momentum-shifting touchdowns. His work ethic and versatility are key traits that have not gone unnoticed by Athlon’s analysts.
Recognition from Athlon Sports isn’t merely about statistical production—it’s also about impact, projection, and influence. Each of these Duke players checks every box. They are not only top performers at their positions, but also leaders on and off the field. Their individual stories and growth arcs reflect the broader journey of Duke football: one marked by challenges, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.
The significance of this preseason honor goes beyond personal accolades. It reflects the respect Duke is starting to earn across the ACC and nationally. Programs like Clemson and Florida State have long held the lion’s share of preseason hype and media attention, but Duke’s steady rise is making it impossible for anyone to overlook them. This newfound visibility also plays a crucial role in recruiting, as high school athletes looking for a competitive program that prioritizes development will take note of Duke’s All-ACC trio.
Athlon Sports is known for its rigorous and respected preseason analysis. For Leonard, Freeman, and Moore to earn First-Team status means they were evaluated alongside the best of the best. The ACC, featuring some of the top programs and players in the nation, provides no easy path to the top. It takes sustained excellence, relentless preparation, and consistent performance to earn such recognition. The fact that Duke landed three players on the First Team suggests that the program is not only producing high-level athletes but also fostering a culture of excellence.
It also raises expectations for the 2025 season. With leaders like Leonard, Freeman, and Moore on the roster, Duke fans are dreaming bigger than ever. Bowl appearances are no longer seen as overachievement but as stepping stones toward something greater. Head coach Manny Diaz, entering his second season with the Blue Devils, has spoken frequently about raising the standard and reshaping the team’s identity. These preseason honors validate his vision and reinforce the belief that Duke can contend not just for respect, but for titles.
The presence of these three stars also creates a ripple effect throughout the locker room. Young players are inspired by their leadership and work ethic. Veterans are motivated to match their performance. Coaches gain confidence knowing they have battle-tested leaders who can deliver when it matters most. In short, Leonard, Freeman, and Moore are not just individual stars—they are the backbone of the entire program.
It is also worth noting that none of this success has come easily. All three players have battled through adversity. Leonard dealt with injuries and questions about his arm strength early in his career. Freeman had to earn his spot in the starting lineup through special teams and grind-it-out practices. Moore had to learn an entirely new position to find his niche. Their journeys are proof that talent, when paired with resilience, can lead to greatness. These stories resonate not only within the program but also with fans who admire perseverance as much as performance.
The road ahead will not be easy. The ACC remains a treacherous gauntlet, and Duke’s schedule is packed with challenges. Games against traditional powers like Clemson and Miami will test the team’s mettle. Rivalry matchups will add emotional stakes. Injuries and setbacks are inevitable over a long season. But with Leonard directing the offense, Freeman anchoring the defense, and Moore igniting big plays downfield, Duke has a trio capable of swinging games in their favor.
This preseason honor may be the first major spotlight moment of the 2025 season, but if history is any indicator, it won’t be the last. Leonard has Heisman potential if he continues his upward trajectory. Freeman could become one of the first linebackers off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft. Moore is already generating buzz as one of the most complete wide receivers in the nation. The ceiling is high for all three, and they appear poised to reach it.
In a sport where momentum can be fleeting and attention often skews toward traditional powerhouses, Duke has carved out a niche through substance and style. These three First-Team All-ACC selections aren’t just a reward—they are a reminder that Duke football is here, it’s real, and it’s not going anywhere.
For Blue Devil fans, there is now a renewed sense of belief that the program’s best days lie ahead. The recognition from Athlon Sports is the beginning of a chapter, not the end of one. With Riley Leonard, Tre Freeman, and Jordan Moore leading the way, Duke’s story promises to be one of the most compelling narratives in college football this fall.
