Blue Devil Country

Duke Football Unveils New Hoops-Inspired Helmets for Clemson Game

Duke football will borrow from Duke basketball's "Brotherhood" look for its season opener.

Matt Giles

Duke football's Wallace Wade Stadium (James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports)
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Not cursive script. Not the "D" logo or Blue Devil face. And not the numbers or blank ones from the program's early days. No, Duke football will debut a new helmet design when the unranked Blue Devils open their season by hosting reigning ACC champ and preseason No. 9 Clemson in Wallace Wade Stadium at 8 p.m. ET Monday (ESPN).

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While new for Duke football helmets, the Gothic-style lettering design β€” nowadays widely viewed in Durham as a tribute to all past and present Duke basketball players β€” has been a special-occasion staple, home and away, for the past four Blue Devil teams on the court.

However,Β the hoops version is always in navy,Β unlike the standard Duke blue used for the lettering on the new helmets, which the football program's creative team announced, along with the Week 1 uniform selection (classic lettering), on Friday night.

Here's theΒ video reveal of theΒ entire gear, referred to in the post as "a classic combo with a twist":

And here are pics of the clean-and-pristine helmet resting alone on Brooks Field, with the caption, "Yeah this is it":

As Duke football enters its second season under Mike Elko (9-4 in his first campaign at the helm anywhere), it's clear the reigning ACC Coach of the Year doesn't at all resent the Duke basketball program for its unrivaled popularity among students and worldwide fanbase.

Quite the opposite. The notably driven 46-year-old, well aware he's at a basketball school, invites well-known Blue Devils from the hardwood to talk to his team while appearing to borrow ideas and welcome support from second-year Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer.

If the new lid design results in a loud upset on its first try, one would think Elko's Blue Devils must begin donning the "Brotherhood" helmets regularly β€” no special permission from Scheyer necessary.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke football news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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