ACC · Durham, North Carolina
Duke Football History
Championships, records and rivalries
Program history
DUKE history
Duke's football story includes Wallace Wade's Rose Bowl teams, a Rose Bowl played in Durham, and the program's 2025 ACC championship.
DUKE history
Wallace Wade and the Iron Dukes
The stadium now named for Wallace Wade opened in 1929, with Pittsburgh as the first opponent at the site. Wade led Duke from 1931–41 and again from 1946–50. His 1938 team was unbeaten and unscored upon until the Rose Bowl, where Southern California scored late to win 7–3.
The 1942 Rose Bowl has a unique place in the sport's history. With large crowds barred on the West Coast after Pearl Harbor, Duke offered to host the game in Durham. Oregon State won 20–16 before a crowd of about 56,000; it remains the only Rose Bowl played outside Pasadena.
DUKE history
A long home in Durham
Originally called Duke Stadium, the venue was renamed for Wade in 1967. Renovations lowered the field and added Blue Devil Tower, while the stadium's basic bowl remained. Duke Athletics lists a current capacity of 35,000 for Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium.
The Blue Devils' football seasons have spanned several league eras. Duke's 1962 team won the outright ACC title; later teams returned to conference contention and postseason play, including a 2013 ACC Championship Game appearance.
DUKE history
The 2025 ACC crown
Under Manny Diaz, Duke went 6–2 in ACC play in 2025 and reached the league title game. An overtime 27–20 win over Virginia gave the Blue Devils their eighth ACC football title and their first outright crown since 1962. They closed the season by beating Arizona State 42–39 in the Sun Bowl, finishing 9–5.
That championship is the recent benchmark for the 2026 group. The schedule and stats tabs keep the new season's results separate from the 2025 title run.
FAQ
DUKE history questions
Did Duke host a Rose Bowl?
Yes. Duke hosted Oregon State in Durham on January 1, 1942; Oregon State won 20–16.
When did Duke last win the ACC football championship?
In 2025, with a 27–20 overtime victory over Virginia.
When did Wallace Wade Stadium open?
In 1929, originally as Duke Stadium; it was renamed in 1967.
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