Quarterback Henry Belin IV might not start for the Duke Blue Devils in 2025, but senior teammate Jordan Moore believed he proved something during Thursday’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
“He’s a very talented quarterback,” Moore said after the game. “I believe he can play anywhere in the country, and he showed that tonight, and I’m so proud of him for stepping up in that role.”
Belin started in a 2023 victory over NC State, but he only threw one pass in this regular season with [autotag]Maalik Murphy[/autotag] as the team’s starter. Murphy and sophomore Grayson Loftis both opted to transfer in December, leaving Belin with a few weeks to prepare for one of the nation’s best teams.
Duke only mustered two offensive touchdowns against the Ole Miss Rebels in a 52-20 loss, but Mississippi allowed 13.9 points per game through the regular season. Belin picked up 236 yards through the air, completing 25 of his 44 attempts for two touchdowns, and added 16 yards with his legs.
Only one other quarterback threw for at least 200 yards with multiple touchdowns against this Rebels defense in 2024: LSU Tigers star Garrett Nussmeier, who threw for 337 and three scores in an overtime comeback.
Tulane transfer Darian Mensah already committed to the Blue Devils last month, and it’d be stunning if the redshirt freshman didn’t start right away given how quickly Duke pursued him in the portal. Whether Belin stays in Durham or not, his teammates certainly believe in his talent.