Walker Eget’s journey to becoming Duke’s starting quarterback was about more than simply winning a competition with Dan Mahan. One of the biggest factors separating the graduate transfer from his younger challenger was experience—and the toughness that came with it.
Eget entered the competition with significant starting experience from his time at San Jose State, where he handled the responsibilities of being a starting quarterback before transferring to Duke this offseason. That experience gave him an advantage, but his resilience may have been just as important.
The quarterback has already demonstrated that he is willing to play through adversity. Eget suffered an ACL injury in October 2024 but continued playing throughout the 2025 season before undergoing surgery this offseason. His decision to keep competing despite the injury earned him considerable respect from his former teammates.
That toughness has apparently followed him to Durham.
According to Haddy Barghouti of the Mercury News, Eget quickly earned praise from players and coaches at Duke, with his willingness to battle through adversity standing out as one of his defining qualities.
Eget Had to Earn the Starting Role
Turnovers were one of the concerns surrounding Eget during Duke’s quarterback competition. He threw 19 interceptions in 18 starts at San Jose State, a statistic that understandably raised questions among some Duke fans.
However, his overall 2025 season needs additional context.
Before the final three games of the season, Eget had thrown 17 touchdown passes while recording only three interceptions. His production declined dramatically late in the campaign after he suffered another leg injury and became severely limited.
During San Jose State’s final three games, he failed to throw a touchdown and had six interceptions. Those struggles significantly affected his overall statistics, but they don’t completely represent how he performed earlier in the season.
At Duke, Eget will also have the benefit of a stronger supporting cast.
And while his experience ultimately gave him an edge, the starting job was not simply handed to him. Mahan pushed Eget throughout the competition and made the decision a genuine battle. Eget had to prove that he was the right choice.
Duke Can Lean on Eget’s Veteran Leadership
With the competition now settled, Duke can move forward with an experienced quarterback who should fit well with the team’s offensive identity.
The Blue Devils are expected to emphasize the running game, making Eget’s ability to efficiently manage the offense particularly important. But he should not be viewed merely as a game manager.
Eget possesses the arm strength to attack defenses vertically, giving Duke another dimension through the air. The Blue Devils also have an intriguing group of receivers, including transfers Jared Richardson and Javen Nicholas, along with several young players who could make an impact.
Eget may not have the same perceived upside that Darian Mensah brought to the position last season, but he has demonstrated that he can handle the demands of being a starting quarterback.
Now, the challenge is turning his experience, toughness and physical tools into consistent production.
For Duke, selecting Eget represents a decision built around proven experience—but his toughness could ultimately become one of the most valuable qualities he brings to the Blue Devils as they prepare for the season.
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