A new chapter in history! The ACC Outdoor Championship in 2025 was won by Duke men’s track and field.

In a remarkable display of athleticism, determination, and team spirit, the Duke University men’s track and field team etched their name into history by winning the 2025 ACC Outdoor Championship. This monumental victory, which marks Duke’s first-ever win in the men’s category at the ACC Outdoor Championship, signifies not just a triumph on the track, but a testament to years of hard work, recruitment, coaching, and development.

For many years, the ACC Outdoor Championship has been a stage where athletic powerhouses like Florida State, Virginia, and Miami have dominated the men’s track and field events. But on this historic occasion in 2025, Duke University surged to the forefront, claiming the title in an exhilarating series of performances that stunned competitors and fans alike.

The Blue Devils’ win has created waves across the ACC, with analysts and coaches reflecting on how the team has managed to break free from the shadows of traditional track and field giants within the conference. Historically known for its academic prestige, Duke has long been associated with basketball, but now, with this victory, they’ve established themselves as a rising power in the world of collegiate athletics, specifically track and field.

Duke’s journey to the championship podium wasn’t an overnight achievement. The foundation of this victory was laid years before 2025, through a combination of strategic planning, superb coaching, and recruiting talented athletes who showed potential both on and off the track.

Under the guidance of head coach Joe Walker, who has been at the helm for the past five seasons, the team was built through rigorous training, discipline, and a clear focus on peaking at the right time. Coach Walker has emphasized both individual excellence and team camaraderie, creating an environment that has allowed the Blue Devils to shine on the national stage.

One of the keys to Duke’s success in 2025 was their depth in multiple disciplines. The team did not rely on a few star athletes but had strong competitors across the sprints, middle-distance races, jumps, throws, and relays. This balance was essential in securing the title, as their consistent scoring throughout the meet kept them ahead of their competitors in a tightly contested championship.

While the victory was a collective effort, certain athletes stood out, contributing heavily to Duke’s historic triumph. Their performances helped propel Duke to the top of the leaderboard and proved that they were not only capable of winning, but of dominating in some of the toughest events.

• Jason Williams – One of the team’s star sprinters, Jason Williams had a standout performance in both the 100m and 200m sprints. His explosive speed and technical execution earned him gold in both events, with a personal best in the 100m that shattered his previous records. His victory in the 200m was equally impressive, holding off a strong field of competitors to secure a dominant finish.
• Trey Powell – A standout in the jumps, Trey Powell’s remarkable performance in the long jump secured a crucial victory for the Blue Devils. His leap of 7.85 meters was enough to secure the title and add valuable points to Duke’s overall total. Powell’s consistency in the event helped maintain Duke’s momentum throughout the championship.
• Liam Greene – The middle-distance runner who stunned the crowd in the 800m race, Liam Greene’s strategy was one of patience, waiting for the final lap to make his move. His strong finish helped him secure a silver medal, adding significant points to Duke’s team total and demonstrating his composure under pressure.
• Xavier Brooks – As a hammer thrower, Xavier Brooks exceeded expectations with his clutch performances. His throw of 67.50 meters in the final rounds of competition earned him a personal best and a place on the podium. His event helped Duke gain crucial points in the field events, which were pivotal in their overall success.
• The 4x400m Relay Team – The men’s 4x400m relay team of Jason Williams, Liam Greene, Trey Powell, and Zach Harris brought the championship home with a nail-biting final race. Their dominant performance in the relay, with a time of 3:04.92, secured the championship for Duke, completing the Blue Devils’ ascent to the top.

Each of these athletes, along with their teammates, showcased an unrelenting desire to win and a belief in the team’s ability to achieve greatness. It wasn’t just about individual glory; it was about collective success. This unity, coupled with the individual performances, propelled Duke to an unforgettable victory.

Behind every championship-winning team is an experienced and capable coaching staff, and Duke’s success in 2025 is no different. Coach Joe Walker’s meticulous planning, technical expertise, and motivational leadership have played a central role in the development of the Blue Devils’ men’s track and field program. Walker, who was hired by Duke in 2020, has instilled a winning culture by focusing on the long-term development of athletes and building a team that thrives under pressure.

In addition to Coach Walker, assistant coaches specializing in sprints, jumps, throws, and distance events all played pivotal roles in shaping the team. Their ability to develop specific training programs tailored to each athlete’s needs was critical to the Blue Devils’ success in the championship meet.

Moreover, the support staff, including athletic trainers, nutritionists, and psychologists, all contributed to ensuring the athletes were in peak physical and mental condition. Their work helped ensure that Duke’s athletes were prepared to give their best performances on the biggest stage.

Duke’s victory in the 2025 ACC Outdoor Championship marks a significant turning point for the university’s athletic programs. Known for its storied basketball tradition, the success of the men’s track and field team signals that Duke is expanding its athletic horizons.

The win has already begun to attract more attention to the program, with higher-profile recruits expressing interest in joining the Blue Devils. The school’s ability to compete at the highest level in track and field will likely attract future athletes who are drawn to the potential for success, a supportive coaching staff, and the overall reputation of Duke Athletics.

Additionally, this victory has elevated Duke’s national profile in track and field. For years, programs in the Southeastern United States dominated the sport, but the Blue Devils’ victory sends a strong message to the entire country that Duke is a force to be reckoned with.

With the 2025 championship win now in the books, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Duke can maintain their newfound dominance in men’s track and field. The success of the program has laid a strong foundation for the future, with an impressive crop of young talent coming through the ranks.

Athletes like Eli Sutton, who finished in the top 10 in both the pole vault and decathlon, and Jordan Montgomery, a rising star in the 400m hurdles, are poised to continue the Blue Devils’ success. Additionally, the recruitment class for the upcoming years looks incredibly strong, with several athletes already showing promise in the sprint, jump, and throw events.

Coach Walker’s philosophy of building a team-oriented, disciplined, and highly competitive program will continue to serve as the blueprint for future success. Duke’s rise in track and field is not a flash-in-the-pan victory; it is the beginning of a new era for Duke Athletics, one in which the track and field program will likely play a leading role for years to come.

The 2025 ACC Outdoor Championship will go down in history as a pivotal moment in Duke University’s athletic legacy. For the men’s track and field team, it was a triumph of teamwork, perseverance, and skill. This victory not only marks the culmination of years of hard work but also signals the beginning of a new chapter for Duke in the world of college athletics.

The Blue Devils’ victory at the 2025 ACC Outdoor Championship is a testament to what can be achieved when a group of dedicated individuals comes together with a common goal. As the team celebrates their first-ever championship title, they are also paving the way for future generations of athletes to follow in their footsteps, ensuring that the legacy of Duke men’s track and field will continue to grow for years to come.