Spring Football Begins on the Bluff
Duquesne wasted no time preparing for the 2025 season, beginning spring practice on February 24—the earliest known start in the NEC. After finishing 5-1 in conference play and ranked #25 in the country, the Dukes were controversially left out of the FCS playoffs despite their only FCS loss coming in a close battle with CCSU.
This spring, Duquesne returns a wealth of talent, bringing back six of its eight first-team All-NEC selections:
RB JaMario Clements
WR Joey Isabella
OL Brian Beidatsch, Jr.
DL A.J. Ackerman
DL Jack Dunkley
DB Antonio Epps
However, one of the biggest questions facing the Dukes is who will step in at quarterback to replace Darius Perrantes. The two-time first-team All-NEC signal-caller was a Walter Payton Award finalist and a key figure in Duquesne’s offensive success. If Duquesne is to be a force in the NEC again, they’ll need someone to replace most of his production.
The Dukes will also lean on a strong offensive line unit, led by Phil Steele NEC Offensive Lineman of the Year Brian Beidatsch, Jr. He will be joined by second-team All-NEC selections Michael Fallah and Cameron McLaurin, forming a group that allowed just 0.64 sacks per game last season—second-fewest in the FCS.
On the defensive side, the Dukes retain DB DJ Cerisier, a second-team All-NEC honoree who will be a crucial piece of the secondary.
With a solid foundation of returning talent and a chip on their shoulder from last season’s playoff snub, Duquesne looks poised to make another run at an NEC title. The early start to spring practice signals a team eager to finish what it started.
