Duke Football Shines with Three Preseason All-America Selections
As Duke gears up for the 2025 football season, the program continues its rise under head coach Manny Diaz with a significant honor: three Blue Devils have been named to prestigious Preseason All-America teams. This remarkable trio—Chandler Rivers, Terry Moore, and Brian Parker II—are being recognized by two major outlets, Phil Steele and Athlon Sports, validating the strength of both Duke’s defense and offensive front.
Phil Steele Preseason All-America Honors
On June 25, 2025, Phil Steele recognized the trio:
- Chandler Rivers (Senior, CB) – Second Team
- Terry Moore (Graduate, S) – Third Team
- Brian Parker II (RS-Junior, OT) – Third Team (goduke.com)
Rivers’ selection adds to an already impressive preseason résumé; he also made Athlon’s Second Team and earned All-America accolades from four publications after his outstanding 2024 season—including The Athletic, College Football Network, Associated Press, and Phil Steele (Fourth Team). He also earned First Team All‑ACC and Academic All‑ACC honors (goduke.com).
Moore, returning to preseason All-America status, earned Second Team honors from Action Network following last year’s stellar performance. Phil Steele’s third-team nod here continues that recognition . As a defensive back with 116 career tackles, 10.5 TFL, and four interceptions over 33 games, he’s seen by Pro Football Focus (PFF) as the nation’s No. 10 returning safety—an impressive vote of confidence (goduke.com).
Parker II rounds out the trio on the third team. Following a season in which he earned Second Team All‑ACC, Parker led all Power Four tackles with the highest pass-blocking grade, never allowing a sack in 515 pass-block snaps—a PFF stat that earned him national recognition (goduke.com).
Athlon Preseason All-America Honors
Just days later, on July 2, Athlon Sports honored the very same trio:
- Chandler Rivers – Second Team
- Terry Moore – Fourth Team
- Brian Parker II – Fourth Team (goduke.com)
Once again, Duke secured three spots—further solidifying the national perception of these players as among the best at their positions.
Preseason All‑ACC Accolades
Their dominance isn’t limited to national recognition. All three were named to Preseason First Team All‑ACC by both Phil Steele and Athlon, underscoring their role as key returners in a highly competitive conference (goduke.com). Beyond this trio, Duke placed additional players across various preseason all-league teams, showing depth and balance throughout the roster.
Player Profiles & Impact
Chandler Rivers (CB)
Rivers enters 2025 as one of the nation’s top corners:
- Ranked No. 5 Power Four corner by PFF, tied for top PFF grade (90.7) (goduke.com)
- Recipient of First Team All‑ACC in 2024; prepped with multiple All‑America honors
Expect Rivers to anchor a defense brimming with confidence and consistency.
Terry Moore (S)
Moore’s resume features:
- A Second Team All‑America nod via Action Network & top-10 returning safety ranking by PFF (goduke.com)
- Strong career stats: 116 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 4 interceptions in 33 games (goduke.com)
His presence is pivotal to the cohesion of Duke’s secondary.
Brian Parker II (OT)
On the offensive line:
- Second Team All‑ACC honors in 2024; nationally ranked by PFF—fifth best Power Four tackle
- Remarkable pass-blocking consistency: no sacks allowed in 515 pass-block snaps (goduke.com)
He anchors Duke’s powerful front, critical for offensive success.
Why It Matters
National Recognition
Getting three preseason All‑America nods from multiple outlets places Duke in elite company. This isn’t just about star power; it signals a respected program capable of developing standout talent.
Defensive Backbone
With top-tier players at corner and safety, Duke’s secondary ranks among the best—#8 nationally by PFF—bolstered by elite coverage and playmaking ability (goduke.com).
Offensive Foundation
Parker’s dominance upfront offers quarterback Maalik Murphy and Duke’s offensive weapons the protection and confidence needed to produce at a high level.
Momentum Boost
Duke concluded 2024 with a 9‑4 record, a Gator Bowl appearance, and one of the nation’s top defenses (goduke.com). These preseason honors affirm the program’s upward trajectory.
Looking Ahead
As the Blue Devils prepare to kickoff on August 28 against Elon, all eyes will be on Rivers, Moore, and Parker. Can they convert preseason hype into on-field dominance and team success? Coach Manny Diaz, fresh off matching Duke’s record for most wins by a first-year coach, will lean on these leaders heavily (goduke.com).
In a competitive ACC featuring rising powers across the conference, Duke’s performance in key battles will determine if these preseason accolades translate into championship contention.
Conclusion
Duke’s trio of Chandler Rivers, Terry Moore, and Brian Parker II have secured their place among college football’s elite with preseason All‑America honors from both Phil Steele and Athlon. These recognitions not only validate their individual achievements but spotlight Duke Football’s ascendance as a force in the ACC and beyond. With momentum, experience, and national attention, the 2025 Blue Devils are primed for success—and these three will lead the charge.
