JJ Jackson and Kevin Connelly Break Down Duke Football Fall Camp and Duke Basketball Buzz in a Lively Mailbag Monday Conversation
Mailbag Mondays have become a fan-favorite tradition for Blue Devil Nation, offering insight, analysis, and real-time reactions from two of the most plugged-in voices covering Duke athletics. This week, JJ Jackson and Kevin Connelly sat down to tackle a wide array of listener questions, but the central themes were clear: the start of fall camp for Duke Football and the growing anticipation around Duke Basketball as offseason developments continue to stir excitement. With the calendar quickly turning toward another busy athletic season in Durham, there’s no better time to get a pulse check on both programs and how the fan base is feeling.
Kicking things off, JJ and Kevin dove into the start of fall camp for Duke Football, where new head coach Manny Diaz begins his first full campaign at the helm. The energy around the program is palpable, even as the team undergoes some significant transitions following the departure of Mike Elko to Texas A&M. Listeners wanted to know how Diaz’s early practices are being received, and Kevin offered some clear takeaways from his observations: intensity, structure, and accountability.
This isn’t just a culture shift—it’s a calculated reboot. Diaz has installed a tempo that mirrors what he brought to Miami and Temple, emphasizing speed on both sides of the ball and installing aggressive defensive concepts from day one. According to Kevin, the players have responded well, especially on defense, where Diaz’s fingerprints are already evident. The Blue Devils are flying to the ball, communicating at a high level, and practicing with the kind of urgency that coaches love to see in August.
JJ noted that while excitement is building, there are still plenty of question marks. The quarterback battle remains one of the hottest topics in camp, with fans eager to see who emerges as the starter. Will it be redshirt freshman Grayson Loftis, who ended last season with a promising string of performances? Or can Texas transfer Maalik Murphy step in and take the reins? Both players bring different strengths to the position, and both have support among the coaching staff. JJ emphasized that Diaz appears committed to letting the competition play out, a signal that performance—not pedigree—will determine the depth chart.
Another hot topic from listeners: the offensive identity. With a new offensive coordinator in the mix and a wide receiver room that’s still finding its go-to playmaker, the question is how this unit will move the chains consistently. Kevin highlighted that running back Jordan Waters looks poised for a breakout season, especially with the revamped offensive line that has been praised for its early chemistry. Duke may rely on the ground game early as the passing attack develops, particularly if the quarterback battle drags into Week 1 preparations.
On the defensive side, fans are curious about how the scheme will evolve under Diaz. JJ and Kevin both noted that Duke’s 2024 defense was one of the most fundamentally sound in the ACC—smart, disciplined, and tough. Diaz inherits that foundation but brings a more aggressive mindset. Blitz packages, disguised coverages, and pre-snap movement are becoming staples of practice sessions. The secondary, led by Chandler Rivers and Myles Jones, could be one of the best in the league if they stay healthy. And up front, the pass rush looks deeper than it has in recent years, with multiple edge players flashing burst off the line.
Of course, as Mailbag Monday rolled on, attention inevitably shifted to Duke Basketball, which remains one of the biggest year-round storylines in college sports. Fans wanted to know how Jon Scheyer’s squad is coming together this summer, particularly after another busy offseason of roster movement, transfers, and big-name recruiting additions. Kevin jumped in first, highlighting that Scheyer’s 2025–26 team could be his most complete yet—not just in terms of talent, but in experience and versatility.
The biggest change? Balance. Whereas previous Duke teams relied heavily on freshmen, this year’s squad has a more even mix of returning players and young stars. Jeremy Roach’s return provides stability in the backcourt, and Tyrese Proctor looks ready to take another leap after an up-and-down sophomore season. JJ emphasized that Proctor’s confidence has grown, and his ability to run the offense and defend multiple positions makes him a critical piece to Duke’s puzzle. With both guards back, Duke doesn’t need to rush the development of its incoming freshmen—and that could be the key to a deeper postseason run.
Listeners also asked about the impact of transfers. JJ and Kevin both agreed that the addition of Ifeanyi Ufochukwu in the frontcourt could be a game-changer. As they discussed in a previous episode, Ufochukwu brings length, rebounding, and interior defense that Duke has sorely lacked in recent years. He’s not a traditional low-post scorer, but his presence opens up the floor for shooters and helps anchor the defense. Add in Caleb Foster and Jared McCain’s continued development, and suddenly Duke has a roster with real depth and matchup flexibility.
Another listener wanted to know about the freshmen—specifically whether any first-year players are standing out in early workouts. JJ pointed to five-star wing Isaiah Evans as someone who’s already generating buzz. His shot-making ability and confidence are evident, and while he’ll still need to adjust to the college game’s physicality, the early signs suggest he’ll have a role from day one. Kevin added that Khaman Maluach, the 7-foot-1 center from South Sudan, could be a long-term project with an incredibly high ceiling. His defensive instincts are ahead of schedule, and he’s already showing flashes of stretch potential.
Perhaps the most interesting thread in the conversation centered around how Scheyer is evolving as a head coach. Now entering his third season, he’s no longer just the successor to Mike Krzyzewski—he’s building his own identity. Kevin noted that Scheyer is becoming more confident in game management and has shown a willingness to experiment with lineups and styles. Last season’s adjustments—particularly defensively—were signs of a coach learning on the fly and trusting his staff. JJ added that Scheyer is also growing as a recruiter, targeting players who fit his system and personality rather than chasing every top-ranked name.
Mailbag questions also touched on the bigger picture. Where does Duke stand nationally heading into the season? Kevin was quick to point out that while teams like Kansas, Purdue, and Kentucky are dominating the early betting markets, Duke is quietly assembling one of the most balanced teams in the country. If their returning guards take a step forward and the frontcourt rotation gels early, this could be a top-five team by January. JJ agreed but warned that the first month of the season will be critical. Tough non-conference games and early ACC matchups will test their chemistry and depth, and Duke must show that it can win ugly games—not just blowouts.
Finally, no Mailbag Monday would be complete without a few lighter topics. JJ and Kevin fielded questions about favorite Cameron Indoor memories, their predictions for the Duke-Carolina rivalry this season, and even a few hypotheticals—like which Duke athlete, past or present, would thrive the most in today’s NIL era. The answers ranged from nostalgic to insightful, but one thing was clear throughout: the fan base is engaged, energized, and ready for the next chapter.
As the episode wrapped up, both hosts emphasized the importance of this moment for Duke athletics. Football is entering a new era with Manny Diaz bringing his stamp of toughness and urgency, while basketball is in the midst of a transformation under Jon Scheyer that blends tradition with innovation. The next two months will go a long way in determining how both programs are viewed nationally—and how competitive they’ll be when the games start to count.
With fall camp underway and basketball just around the corner, it’s a great time to be a Duke fan. Mailbag Mondays offer more than just answers—they offer perspective, community, and connection. And as long as JJ Jackson and Kevin Connelly are leading the conversation, the Duke fan base will stay informed, entertained, and locked in for the ride ahead.
