Three Duke Players that Illinois football must shut down

It may be early, but Illinois Football hits the road to Durham, NC, for a Week 2 showdown that already feels like a defining moment in the Illini’s 2025 season. It’s the team’s first real test of the year, and the Blue Devils certainly aren’t going down without a fight.

Duke enters this matchup with momentum on their side, as seemingly, coach Manny Diaz has his ship steered in the right direction. Following an impressive first year at the helm in 2024, coach Diaz is confident in what his roster brings to this matchup with Illinois, having returned 11 starters (52%) from last season, in addition to some really impressive transfer portal pieces to address some valid depth concerns at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive line, and linebacker.

That said, Duke has some playmakers of real concern, and there are a few guys Illinois fans should keep an eye on during Saturday’s road trip. Here are my picks for the 3 Blue Devils most capable of making a big impact against the Illini—if they aren’t kept in check.

Aug 29. 2025. Champaign. Illinois. USA. Illinois Fighting Illini. Western Illinois. Leathernecks. Memorial Stadium. Credit. Ron Johnson. Imagn Images.

Redshirt Sophomore Darian Mensah – Quarterback

2024 Stats: Redshirt Freshman Season at Tulane – 189/287 passing (65.9%), 2,723 yards, 22 TDs, 6 INTs – 60 carries, 132 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD

The Tulane transfer was one of the most sought-after names in the 2025 transfer portal cycle — and for good reason. As a redshirt freshman in 2024, Mensah threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns while adding 132 rushing yards and a score, showcasing his dual-threat ability. He gives Duke a dynamic playmaker who can pressure defenses both through the air and on the ground, though his passing remains his biggest weapon.

Mensah started slowly against Elon but exploded in the second half, leading Duke to a 45-17 victory with a 35-point surge.

If Illinois gives him too much time in the pocket to get into a comfortable groove, he WILL make the Fighting Illini defense pay. That said, this is a big game for for All-American Gabe Jacas, and the Illini front seven.

Senior Cooper Barkate – Wide Receiver

2024 Stats: Junior Season at Harvard – 63 receptions, 1,084 rec yards (17.2 AVG), 11 Touchdowns

One of the top transfer portal additions of the offseason for the Blue Devils, Barkate brings proven playmaking ability to Jonathan Brewer’s offense.

During his Junior season at Harvard, Cooper ranked second in the FCS in receiving yards per game (108.4) and earned second-team FCS All-American honors. With a 17.2-yard average per catch, he’s a home run threat who can consistently help Dukes’ offense move the sticks, and QB Darian Mensah will likely look to him as his top target.

Barkate made an immediate impact in his debut last week against Elon, tallying 5 catches for 117 yards to lead the Blue Devils in receiving yards on the evening.

While Illinois boasts stout veteran secondary — including the Scotts (Xavier and Miles), Matthew Bailey, Torrie Cox Jr., and Kaleb Patterson — Barkate has the talent to find soft spots in Aaron Henry’s defense and be a potential game-changer if he can exploit them.

Chandler Rivers – Cornerback

2024 Stats: Junior Season at Duke – 54 tackles. (30 solo tackles, 24 asst), 8 Passes Defended, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions (1 pick six)

One of the nation’s top defensive players in 2024, Chandler Rivers returns to Duke for his senior season following a standout year that earned him All-American status and First Team All-ACC honors.

Rivers was a disruptive force, impacting nearly every facet of Duke’s defense in 2024 — finishing the season with 54 tackles (30 solo tackles, 24 asst), 8 Passes Defended, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions — including a 36-yard pick six. Certainly, it is an attention-getting stat line that highlights his versatility and playmaking ability for the Blue Devils’ secondary.

While Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer is a tough veteran with proven resilience, Rivers is the kind of player who could get into his head with a few big plays. With a largely new wide receiver corps stepping up this season, Illinois could struggle against a corner of Rivers’ caliber — especially as OC Barry Lunney Jr. looks to open up the playbook, further tasking the Illini’s transfers and developmental depth at WR to pull it all together in their first test on the road.

Altmyer will need to stay patient and avoid forcing throws against this disruptive guy.

How to Watch/Listen – Illinois Football vs Duke

Kickoff for Illinois Football vs. Duke is set for Saturday (9/6) at 11:00 a.m. CST or Noon EST at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

WATCH: You can watch the game on ESPN or stream it live via FuboTV.

 LISTEN: Tune into the Fighting Illini Sports Network on your local station at 11:00 a.m. CST, or catch it on SIRIUS XM Channel 382.

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