Former Tulane Star Quarterback Now Leading the Charge as Duke Blue Devils Find Stability and Success Under Center in 2025

When former Tulane Green Wave quarterback Michael Pratt transferred to Duke, few outside of Durham foresaw the significant impact he would have. Yet as the 2025 season unfolds, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Blue Devils have struck gold under center. Pratt, a veteran signal-caller with a wealth of experience, has stabilized a program in transition and is playing some of the best football of his career in the ACC.

Coming out of Tulane, Pratt had already solidified his reputation as a gritty competitor with a high football IQ. Over four seasons with the Green Wave, he threw for more than 9,600 yards and 90 touchdowns while also rushing for over 1,000 yards. His leadership during Tulane’s historic 2022 season, including their comeback victory over USC in the Cotton Bowl, left a lasting legacy in New Orleans. But rather than turn pro after a solid 2024 campaign, Pratt opted to use his extra year of eligibility and test the waters in the transfer portal. Duke emerged as the perfect landing spot — a program in need of experience, guidance, and poise at the quarterback position.

Duke’s quarterback room was in flux following Riley Leonard’s departure, and the Blue Devils were looking for someone who could step in immediately and command the offense. In Pratt, they found not just a leader but a game-changer. Since arriving in Durham, the senior has quickly earned the trust of his teammates and coaches, and that’s translated directly into results on the field.

What makes Pratt’s transition so seamless is his understanding of the game and the way he elevates those around him. Though not the most physically imposing quarterback, his decisiveness, timing, and ability to read defenses have given Duke a tactical advantage in every game this season. He’s not just executing the offense — he’s running it with the confidence of a seasoned pro.

In an era of high-flying, up-tempo college football offenses, Pratt brings an old-school toughness to the position. He’s calm under pressure, doesn’t force throws, and knows when to take off and pick up key yards with his legs. His pocket awareness is one of his most underrated traits, allowing him to evade pressure and keep plays alive without taking unnecessary hits.

Duke head coach Manny Diaz has praised Pratt repeatedly in media sessions, crediting him with bringing a mature, workmanlike attitude that has permeated the locker room. “He’s exactly the kind of quarterback you hope to land out of the portal,” Diaz said. “He prepares like a pro, he doesn’t get rattled, and he’s the first guy in and last guy out. He’s a winner — and our team has fed off that.”

The statistical output so far only tells part of the story. Pratt has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns through the first eight games of the 2025 season while keeping turnovers to a minimum. But beyond the numbers, his biggest impact has come in clutch moments. He’s led two game-winning drives already, both on the road in hostile environments, showcasing his ability to handle pressure when it matters most.

Duke’s offensive coordinator has expanded the playbook with Pratt under center, confident in the quarterback’s ability to diagnose defenses pre-snap and make smart checks at the line of scrimmage. The chemistry between Pratt and his receivers — particularly star wideout Keenan Harris — has blossomed quickly. The two connected for three touchdowns in a pivotal win over Virginia Tech, a game that vaulted Duke into the top tier of the ACC standings.

What’s perhaps most impressive is how Pratt has embraced Duke’s identity. This isn’t a high-profile, championship-pedigree program like Alabama or Ohio State, but it’s one that has built a strong football culture in recent years. Pratt hasn’t just accepted the challenge — he’s leaned into it. He’s helped foster accountability in a young locker room and has emerged as a vocal presence during both practices and games.

In many ways, this Duke team reflects Pratt’s personality: tough, resilient, and confident without being cocky. The Blue Devils have rattled off a string of wins, including a hard-fought victory over a ranked North Carolina team, and they’re currently in the mix for a trip to the ACC Championship Game — something few would have predicted when the season began.

For Duke fans, it’s refreshing to see a quarterback who understands the stakes and doesn’t shy away from the moment. Pratt’s leadership was on full display in a recent matchup against Louisville, where he shrugged off a sluggish start and engineered three consecutive scoring drives in the second half to seal the win. It’s that kind of poise that’s made him the heartbeat of the team.

Beyond his on-field contributions, Pratt’s impact has extended to mentoring the younger quarterbacks on the roster. Redshirt freshman Connor Halton has spoken glowingly of Pratt’s willingness to share knowledge and provide guidance during film study. “He’s been like a coach for us,” Halton said. “He’s showing us what it takes to prepare every week, and how to carry yourself as a leader.”

That sort of influence can’t be overstated, especially for a program looking to build a sustainable future in a competitive conference. Duke’s coaching staff hopes Pratt’s work ethic and approach to preparation will leave a lasting imprint even after he’s moved on.

Of course, the NFL isn’t far from the conversation. Scouts have begun circling back to Pratt now that he’s proven he can produce at a Power Five level. While he may not possess the elite arm strength of some top-tier prospects, his efficiency, intelligence, and leadership are traits that teams at the next level value highly. His performance at Duke has only bolstered his draft stock.

Still, Pratt’s focus remains squarely on the task at hand — guiding Duke to its most successful season in recent memory. With critical games against Clemson and Miami still on the schedule, the Blue Devils control their own destiny. And with a battle-tested quarterback like Pratt leading the way, confidence in Durham is at an all-time high.

It’s also worth noting how Pratt’s journey exemplifies the new reality of college football. The transfer portal, while often criticized, gave both Pratt and Duke a second chance — a rare win-win scenario. For Pratt, it was an opportunity to prove he could compete in a more demanding environment. For Duke, it was a lifeline that brought in a steadying presence at the sport’s most important position.

The mutual trust between player and program has been essential. Pratt’s decision to transfer wasn’t just about football — it was about fit, relationships, and growth. And at Duke, he’s found a home that values what he brings beyond the stat sheet.

As the season enters its critical stretch, the spotlight will only grow brighter. But if the past few months are any indication, Pratt will be ready. He’s taken every challenge in stride, whether it was adapting to a new playbook, earning the respect of a new team, or facing down top ACC defenses.

In the ever-volatile landscape of college football, stability is a rare and valuable commodity — especially at quarterback. For Duke, Michael Pratt has become that steady hand. And as long as he’s under center, the Blue Devils have every reason to believe that something special is within reach.