Duke football added a significant piece to its 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of three-star cornerback Tyson Sanford from Georgia. Sanford chose the Blue Devils over multiple Power Five programs, including Wake Forest and Michigan State, despite holding 21 Division I offers. His decision came as a surprise, as several analysts projected him to commit to Michigan State.
Sanford announced his commitment on June 21, expressing gratitude to his family, coaches, and supporters. His pledge makes him the 11th player to join Duke’s 2026 recruiting class under head coach Manny Diaz, who is continuing to build on the momentum from the 2025 cycle. Last year’s class was ranked No. 34 nationally, while the current group sits at No. 54.
Duke’s 2026 class features one four-star recruit—interior offensive lineman Sean Stover—and nine three-star players, including Sanford. Other notable names include quarterback Terry Walker III, wide receiver Brody Keefe, and defensive lineman Ayden Cain. The class also includes one unrated prospect, cornerback Jayden Boyd.
Sanford, ranked by 247Sports as the No. 85 safety in the country and No. 107 overall player in Georgia, brings speed and athleticism to the defensive backfield. He is also a standout in track and field, with personal records of 10.82 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 22.18 seconds in the 200-meter dash, showcasing his explosive athletic ability.
With the addition of Sanford, Duke continues to build a solid foundation for future success. Coach Diaz appears focused on identifying under-the-radar talent and assembling a balanced recruiting class capable of competing in the ACC. As the 2026 cycle progresses, the Blue Devils aim to rise in the national rankings and close the gap with top-tier programs.
