PITTSBURGH — Another football season is underway on the Bluff. The Duquesne Dukes opened spring practice today at Rooney Field, the first of 15 scheduled sessions. The final practice is set for Saturday, April 5.

Head coach Jerry Schmitt returns for his 21st season leading the Dukes and 32nd year on the DU sideline.

"It's always exciting to get back on the field," Schmitt said after the first practice. "Spring ball presents new opportunities, and our team is eager to build on the foundation we've established. We have a talented group, and we're going to work hard to continue the tradition of excellence in this program."

Under Schmitt's leadership, the Dukes have claimed 10 conference championships (seven NEC, three MAAC) and made three NCAA FCS Playoff appearances. He holds a 156-107 career record, including 128-86 at Duquesne.

SPRING ROSTER
Six of Duquesne's eight first-team All-NEC selections return for spring ball, including: RB JaMario Clements, WR Joey Isabella, OL Brian Beidatsch, Jr., DL A.J. Ackerman, DL Jack Dunkley, DB Antonio Epps.

The Dukes will look to replace two-time first-team All-NEC quarterback Darius Perrantes, a Walter Payton Award finalist for National Offensive Player of the Year, following his graduation.

On the offensive line, second-team All-NEC selections Michael Fallah and Cameron McLaurin are back alongside Beidatsch, who was named the Phil Steele NEC Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2024. The unit helped Duquesne finish second in the FCS in fewest sacks allowed (0.64 per game).

Defensively, DB DJ Cerisier, a second-team All-NEC honoree, also returns for 2025.

View the full spring roster here.

2025 SIGNING CLASS
The Dukes have added 18 signees for the 2025 season, featuring a mix of transfers and incoming freshmen. Players arriving for spring ball include Tyler Feldkamp, Ish Findlayter, AJ Forehand, Joel Kpassou, Tyson Meiguez, Jabari Odoemenem, and Tyler Soles.

View the full signing class here.

2024 SEASON RECAP
Duquesne finished the 2024 season 8-3 overall with a 5-1 conference record, earning a share of the Northeast Conference (NEC) regular-season title.

After opening the season with a pair of FBS losses, the Dukes rebounded with a 28-25 road victory over No. 21/20 Youngstown State, marking the program's second-ever win against a ranked FCS opponent. That victory sparked an eight-game winning streak, with seven of those wins coming by at least two possessions.

Duquesne went a perfect 5-0 at home and finished 7-1 against FCS opponents. The Dukes ended the season receiving votes in both FCS national polls and reached as high as No. 19 in Week 12, the highest national ranking in program history as an FCS member.

Shawn Solomon Jr. headlined the postseason awards, earning NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year, while 15 Dukes received all-conference honors.

SPRING SCHEDULE
Feb. 24
Feb. 26
Feb. 27
Mar. 10
Mar. 12
Mar. 14
Mar. 15
Mar. 19
Mar. 21
Mar. 22
Mar. 26
Mar. 28
Mar. 29
Apr. 2
Apr. 5 (Practice 15 - Time TBD)
*Schedule subject to change*

2025 SCHEDULE
Duquesne will kick off its 2025 season on August 30 against Pitt at Acrisure Stadium. The Dukes will then play four of their next five games at Rooney Field, beginning with non-conference matchups against Lincoln (Pa.) and Lehigh, followed by a road trip to Akron. Duquesne opens NEC play at home against Stonehill (Oct. 4) and Saint Francis (Oct. 11).

The Dukes will host their home finale on Nov. 15 against Central Connecticut State before closing out the regular season on Nov. 22 at Robert Morris.
 

Date	Opponent
Aug. 30 (Sat)	at Pitt
Sept. 6 (Sat)	vs. Lincoln (PA)
Sept. 13 (Sat)	vs. Lehigh
Sept. 20 (Sat)	at Akron
Oct. 4 (Sat)	vs. Stonehill*
Oct. 11 (Sat)	vs. Saint Francis*
Oct. 18 (Sat)	at Mercyhurst*
Oct. 25 (Sat)	at Wagner*
Nov. 8 (Sat)	at LIU*
Nov. 15 (Sat)	vs. Central Connecticut State*
Nov. 22 (Sat)	at Robert Morris*

*NEC game

FOLLOW THE DUKES
Follow Duquesne football online all season at GoDuquesne.com, as well as on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook (@DuqFB).