Duke running back Nate Sheppard scored five touchdowns, a program record, in the Blue Devils' 47-2 victory over Boston College on Saturday, bringing his season total to 19 touchdowns and making him the national leader in both touchdowns and scoring.
The performance pushed Duke to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the ACC, securing bowl eligibility for a fifth consecutive season. Coach Manny Diaz said two days earlier that Sheppard belongs in the Heisman Trophy conversation, arguing that running backs should not be devalued.
Sheppard's emergence comes after a chaotic offseason that saw quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate transfer to Miami. Mensah, who threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns last season, left for a larger financial package, while Barkate followed. Sheppard, a second-team All-ACC freshman from Louisiana, chose to stay despite interest from other programs.
Duke replaced Mensah with San Jose State transfer Walker Eget and rebuilt the offense around Sheppard. The running back added 10 pounds in the offseason to become a more durable short-yardage and goal-line back. He leads Power Four players in all-purpose yards per game (159.3) and ranks second among Power Four running backs in rushing yards per game (121.5).
Sheppard opened the season with a career-high 227 yards against Tulane, earning Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week honors, and has collected seven midseason All-America first-team selections. Against Virginia, he caught a lateral pass and threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to secure a 19-16 win. Against Boston College, four of his five touchdowns came from four yards or closer, while the fifth went for 54 yards, the longest of his career.
Sheppard is one of only four players in the College Football Playoff era with at least 1,250 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns through eight games, joining Melvin Gordon, Ameer Abdullah, and Ashton Jeanty. He says he believes he is in the Heisman conversation, though he would currently vote for Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith.
Duke travels to face No. 1 Miami at Hard Rock Stadium in two weeks, a game that could further shape the Heisman race. Sheppard maintains a good relationship with Mensah and Barkate, and Coach Diaz has drawn interest from other programs after back-to-back nine-win seasons. Sheppard remains committed to Duke, saying he believes in Diaz's vision.
