Why did Duke miss the College Football Playoff despite winning the ACC?

The 12-team CFP format prioritized other teams, with a Group of Five school receiving the berth intended for conference champions.

Who is Duke playing in the Sun Bowl?

Duke is set to play against Arizona State in the Sun Bowl, marking their second meeting in this particular bowl game.

Are key players from Duke or Arizona State playing in the Sun Bowl?

Both teams have key players considering the NFL draft or entering the transfer portal, impacting their lineups for the Sun Bowl.

Home / Sports / Sun Bowl: Duke Faces ASU After ACC Title

Sun Bowl: Duke Faces ASU After ACC Title

31 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Duke won the ACC title but missed the College Football Playoff.
The Blue Devils now play Arizona State in the Sun Bowl.
Both teams feature quarterbacks considering NFL or facing transfer portal changes.

Sun Bowl: Duke Faces ASU After ACC Title

Duke's unexpected Atlantic Coast Conference title has not secured them a spot in the College Football Playoff. Instead, the Blue Devils will face Arizona State in the Sun Bowl, a team that recently achieved a significant upset in a major bowl game.

Despite their conference championship, Duke (8-5) did not qualify for the expanded 12-team playoff, with the spot instead going to a Group of Five school. This outcome leaves the Blue Devils aiming for redemption and a podium finish in the Sun Bowl against the Sun Devils (8-4).

Arizona State's coach, Kenny Dillingham, recently signed an extension but will be without a key quarterback who entered the transfer portal. Duke's quarterback, Darian Mensah, who led the ACC in touchdown passes, is reportedly considering an NFL jump but is expected to play in the Sun Bowl.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.