Durham Native Vincent Anthony Jr. Declares for the 2026 NFL Draft

Duke defensive lineman Vincent Anthony Jr., a Durham native, has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, bringing his collegiate career full circle in the city where his football journey began.

Anthony, who grew up in Durham and attended Charles E. Jordan High School, stayed home to play for the Blue Devils and developed into one of the most consistent defenders on Duke’s roster. Standing 6 foot 6 and weighing approximately 250 pounds, he became a key presence along the defensive front, using his length and motor to disrupt opposing offenses.

Over his college career, Anthony appeared in nearly 50 games and finished with more than 100 total tackles, close to 30 tackles for loss, and 15 career sacks. Those numbers place him among Duke’s more productive defensive linemen in recent program history. His final season was one of his strongest, as he recorded over 30 tackles, multiple sacks, and continued to be a weekly challenge for offensive lines across the ACC.

Anthony earned conference recognition during his career, including All ACC honors, and was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week following a standout performance in which he recorded multiple sacks in a single game. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and set the edge against the run made him a central piece of Duke’s defensive identity.

As a Durham native representing his hometown university, Anthony’s impact went beyond the stat sheet. He served as a leader on defense and helped anchor a unit that contributed to Duke’s recent success and bowl appearances. His decision to declare for the draft marks a significant moment for both the program and the local community that watched him grow from a high school standout into an NFL prospect.

NFL scouts have taken interest in Anthony’s size, wingspan, and upside as an edge defender. While his game continues to evolve, evaluators view him as a developmental prospect with the physical tools to fit multiple defensive schemes at the professional level. His pre draft process, including workouts and team evaluations, will be key in shaping his draft position.

With his declaration official, Vincent Anthony Jr. now turns his focus toward preparing for the next stage of his career, aiming to carry his Durham roots and Duke development into the 2026 NFL Draft.