Head football coach Manny Diaz and basketball head coach Jon Scheyer are both vying for the commitment of one of the most electric multi-sport athletes in the nation: Jaylen “J.J.” Marshall, a dynamic 2025 recruit who has expressed a strong desire to play both football and basketball at the college level.

Head football coach Manny Diaz and basketball head coach Jon Scheyer are both vying for the commitment of one of the most electric multi-sport athletes in the nation: Jaylen “J.J.” Marshall, a dynamic 2025 recruit who has expressed a strong desire to play both football and basketball at the college level.

In a rare and intriguing recruiting scenario, Duke University is in the middle of an internal tug-of-war — not between rival schools, but between its own athletic programs. Head football coach Manny Diaz and basketball head coach Jon Scheyer are both vying for the commitment of one of the most electric multi-sport athletes in the nation: Jaylen “J.J.” Marshall, a dynamic 2025 recruit who has expressed a strong desire to play both football and basketball at the college level.

Marshall, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound athlete out of Charlotte, North Carolina, is ranked as a four-star wide receiver in football and a top-100 combo guard in basketball. With elite speed, a high vertical, and next-level agility, he’s captivated scouts on both courts and fields. His talent is so well-rounded that multiple Power Five schools have offered him in both sports — but Duke is one of the few institutions willing to support his dream of being a true two-sport athlete.

“Most schools try to push me into picking one sport,” Marshall said during a recent interview. “But Duke is one of the only places where both coaches have told me they’re open to making it work. Coach Diaz wants me catching touchdowns on Saturdays, and Coach Scheyer sees me running the offense in Cameron Indoor. I grew up dreaming of both.”

That dream has sparked a unique collaboration — and some friendly competition — between Diaz and Scheyer, as both recognize the value Marshall could bring to their respective programs. Diaz, in his first year at Duke, sees Marshall as a game-changing receiver who can stretch defenses and bring playmaker energy to the offense. Scheyer, meanwhile, envisions Marshall as a high-impact guard who can contribute with his athleticism, defense, and leadership.

Balancing both sports at the collegiate level is no small task, especially in the demanding world of ACC competition. However, Duke has a history of accommodating two-sport athletes — most notably, former quarterback and basketball walk-on Greg Paulus — and is reportedly working on a comprehensive plan that would allow Marshall to contribute meaningfully in both arenas without overloading his schedule.

“We’re not looking to make him choose,” a source close to the Duke staff said. “We’re building a path that allows him to succeed as a two-sport student-athlete, academically and athletically. That’s part of what makes Duke special.”

Marshall has already taken unofficial visits to Duke for both football and basketball and plans to return for an official dual-sport visit in July. While schools like North Carolina, Florida State, and Michigan remain in the mix, insiders suggest that Duke’s willingness to embrace his full potential is giving them a unique edge.

As NIL opportunities grow and the modern athlete continues to push boundaries, Jaylen Marshall’s recruitment could become a blueprint for how programs approach elite, multi-talented prospects. Whether he’s throwing down dunks at Cameron or scoring touchdowns at Wallace Wade Stadium, one thing is clear: J.J. Marshall has the talent — and Duke just might give him the stage to shine in both spotlights.