Former Utah Tight End Transfers to Duke
Former Utah and Auburn standout Landen King chooses Duke for final collegiate season.
Duke football took a meaningful step forward on Monday with the addition of tight end Landen King, a graduate transfer from Utah who also previously played at Auburn. King, who entered the NCAA transfer portal with a “Do Not Contact” tag, announced his commitment to the Blue Devils on social media just days after officially hitting the portal. The decision brings both experience and versatility to Duke’s tight end room as the program prepares for year two under head coach Manny Diaz.
A Career Marked by Development
King began his collegiate career as part of Auburn’s 2021 recruiting class. A three-star prospect out of high school, he was ranked No. 620 overall and the No. 34 tight end in his class by the On3 Industry Rankings. After two seasons with limited production at Auburn, King transferred to Utah, where he found his stride in 2023, recording 14 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns, the most productive year of his college tenure.
His 2024 campaign was more subdued. King didn’t appear in a game until November, ultimately finishing the season with three catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. Now set for his fifth year of eligibility, King brings a 6-foot-5 frame and a history of adapting to new systems, making him a flexible piece in Duke’s offensive puzzles
Strategic Addition
For Duke, King represents more than just depth at tight end; he reflects a strategic effort to build on recent momentum. Under first-year head coach Manny Diaz, the Blue Devils went 9-4 in 2024 and earned a Gator Bowl appearance. Though they fell to Ole Miss in that game, the season marked a promising start to Diaz’s tenure. Adding a veteran tight end with Power Five experience aligns with the program’s broader push toward consistency and competitiveness in the ACC.
Duke’s 2025 schedule includes notable matchups against NC State, Clemson, Wake Forest, and an anticipated face-off with North Carolina, now led by Bill Belichick. King’s experience in multiple high-level environments could provide critical support in navigating that slate.
Rapid Turnaround Potential
King’s swift transition from portal entry to commitment also underscores the evolving nature of college football’s transfer ecosystem. With the spring window open from April 16 to April 25, programs had a brief but critical period to identify needs and pursue talent. Over 3,600 FBS scholarship players entered the portal during the 2024-25 cycle, reflecting a new norm of player mobility and program recalibration.
King’s move to Duke is emblematic of that shift, a veteran player seeking a final opportunity and a program ready to benefit from his experience.
