Duke Loses Two Starters to Season-Ending Surgery

Safety Patrick Smith-Young and offensive lineman Cole Allen will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on Sunday.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Football

Duke Loses Two Starters to Season-Ending Surgery

Duke announced that safety Patrick Smith-Young and offensive lineman Cole Allen are out for the season after both underwent surgery. The two players were carted off the field during Duke's 41-3 win at N.C. State on Saturday.

Why it matters

Smith-Young has started the past three games and has been a significant contributor to Duke's defense, so his absence leaves a notable gap in the secondary. The loss of both players comes during the stretch run of the Duke season.

Smith-Young has logged 313 defensive snaps this season, seventh-most on Duke's defense, and recorded 25 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Allen, a sophomore offensive tackle, has played 20 snaps this season.

The players

Patrick Smith-Young

Duke safety who transferred from North Texas and is in his final season of eligibility, having had the victory-sealing interception at Virginia this year.

Cole Allen

Duke sophomore offensive tackle who has played 20 snaps this season.

Manny Diaz

Duke head football coach who announced the injuries and surgeries at his weekly press conference.

The details

Both players appeared to suffer leg injuries during Saturday's 41-3 win at N.C. State and were carted off the field. Coach Manny Diaz announced at his weekly press conference that both underwent surgery on Sunday and will not return this season.

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026: Duke beats N.C. State 41-3; both players are injured.
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026: Smith-Young and Allen undergo surgery.
Monday, Nov. 9, 2026: Diaz announces both players are out for the season.

Season Trajectory

With both players lost for the year, Duke's rotation on defense and along the offensive line shrinks just as the schedule tightens. The losses test a depth chart that has relied on Smith-Young's three straight starts and Allen's developing role.

With Smith-Young out, Duke's secondary loses a starter who has anchored the safety position for three straight games. Allen's absence reduces the depth available on the offensive line for the rest of the season.

The takeaway

Injuries at this stage of the season force depth players into bigger roles, and the rotation adjustments Duke makes over the coming weeks will show how well the roster can absorb the losses.