The Duquesne football program joins the FCS top-25 rankings for the first time in three years following its win over Mercyhurst at Rooney Field on Saturday.
Duquesne (6-2, 3-0) ranks 24th in the AFCA Coaches Poll and 25th in the Stats Perform Poll. The last time the Dukes were nationally ranked came in the coaches poll in April of 2021. It’s the first time since 2018 that they have entered the Stats Perform Poll. This is just the second time since Duquesne joined the NEC that it is ranked in both polls at the same time.
The Dukes are one of six remaining undefeated teams in FCS play after beating Mercyhurst 31-24.
Running back JaMario Clements played a huge role in the victory as he rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns, which earned him Northeast Conference Player of the Week.
His touchdown rush of 86 yards in the fourth quarter ties the longest in program history with Josh Rue who took one that distance against Canisius back in 2001.
Quarterback Darius Perrantes completed 13-of-25 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns of 5 and 64 yards.
Duquesne has rattled off six-straight wins that started with a 28-25 victory over No. 21/20 Youngstown State on Sept. 14.
The Dukes are tied atop the NEC standings with the Robert Morris Colonials at 3-0.
The two will renew their rivalry for the first time since 2019 after the Colonials left the NEC to join the Big South. In the last meeting, RMU beat Duquesne 41-21. Kick is set for noon at Rooney Field.
