Duke Blue Devils added a key piece to their 2026 recruiting class this week, landing a commitment from three-star running back Jayvian Tanelus. The Florida native made his decision public on social media, choosing Duke over offers from several Power Five programs, including Miami, NC State, and West Virginia…

Duke Blue Devils added a key piece to their 2026 recruiting class this week, landing a commitment from three-star running back Jayvian Tanelus.

The Florida native made his decision public on social media, choosing Duke over offers from several Power Five programs, including Miami, NC State, and West Virginia…

 

 

Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 190 pounds, Tanelus is a dynamic runner with excellent vision, burst, and agility. He plays his high school football at Monarch High School in Coconut Creek, Florida, where he has turned heads with his ability to create explosive plays out of the backfield.

As a sophomore in 2023, Tanelus rushed for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, helping lead his team to a playoff berth. He followed that performance with an equally strong junior campaign that further cemented his status as one of the more underrated backs in the 2026 class.

Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals, Tanelus may not carry the national spotlight of a five-star recruit, but he brings a skill set that fits perfectly within Duke’s offensive scheme under head coach Manny Diaz.

His ability to cut on a dime, catch passes out of the backfield, and pick up yards after contact makes him a versatile weapon that Duke’s staff believes can thrive at the collegiate level.

Speaking about his commitment, Tanelus highlighted Duke’s combination of academics, coaching stability, and opportunity to play early as major factors in his decision.

“Duke just felt like home,” Tanelus said in an interview. “The coaching staff showed me real love from day one. They believe in what I can bring to the program, and I believe in what they’re building.”

New Duke head coach Manny Diaz and offensive coordinator Kevin Johns have been aggressive on the recruiting trail since arriving in Durham, and Tanelus represents a significant win for a staff looking to build a foundation for sustained success.

With the Blue Devils aiming to increase their speed and explosiveness on offense, Tanelus is expected to compete for snaps early in his college career.

Tanelus also becomes the third commitment in Duke’s 2026 class, joining four-star linebacker Jaden Hollis and offensive tackle Marcus Fields.

The early success of this recruiting cycle signals that Duke is serious about elevating its talent level and competing in a new-look ACC.

While Tanelus may not have the national recognition of other top backs, Duke’s staff believes they’ve found a gem. His commitment is another step in redefining the Blue Devils’ identity under Diaz: tough, fast, and fundamentally sound.

With nearly two years until he officially arrives on campus, Jayvian Tanelus still has time to develop and refine his game—but his potential is clear, and Duke fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about what the future holds.