Duke Football Welcomes Andrel Anthony to the Blue Devils Roster
Duke University’s head football coach, Manny Diaz, announced on Monday the addition of wide receiver Andrel Anthony to the team. Anthony has officially signed a financial aid agreement and will bring his talent to the Blue Devils’ football program.
Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 186 pounds, Anthony arrives at Duke with an impressive collegiate football resume, having previously played for both Michigan and Oklahoma. Over the last four years, he has participated in a total of 32 games—25 with Michigan and seven with Oklahoma—earning six starts across his career.
Michigan Journey: 2021-2022
Anthony spent the first two years of his college career with the Michigan Wolverines, where he made a significant impact. In the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he helped Michigan secure an impressive 25-3 record, earning back-to-back Big Ten Championship titles and advancing to the College Football Playoff (CFP) in both years.
During his freshman year in 2021, Anthony played in 12 of Michigan’s 14 games. He made 12 catches for 248 yards and scored three touchdowns, showcasing his potential early in his career. His standout performance came against Michigan State, where he tallied six receptions for a career-best 155 yards and two touchdowns. This remarkable effort earned him co-Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. He capped off the season with a 35-yard touchdown reception against Georgia in the CFP Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl.
The following season, Anthony appeared in all 14 games for the Wolverines, contributing seven catches for 80 yards. His versatility was on display during a game against Nebraska, where he recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. His role as a reliable receiver helped solidify Michigan’s offensive depth during their successful campaigns.
Oklahoma Chapter: 2023
Anthony transferred to the University of Oklahoma in 2023, where he made an immediate impact as a starter. He began the season strong, starting the first six games and quickly becoming the team’s leading receiver. Over those six games, he recorded 27 catches for 429 yards and one touchdown.
Among his standout performances, Anthony notched 112 receiving yards on four catches in a game against Tulsa and posted 117 yards on seven receptions in a matchup against Cincinnati. In a game against SMU, he caught seven passes for 76 yards, including a touchdown, further proving his ability to perform under pressure.
Unfortunately, Anthony’s season was cut short when he suffered an ACL injury during the annual Red River Rivalry game against Texas. Despite catching five passes for 42 yards in that game, the injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Comeback and Final Oklahoma Appearance
Anthony worked diligently to recover from his ACL injury and returned for the 2024 season opener against Temple. While he managed to record one reception for four yards in that game, he did not appear in any subsequent contests for the Sooners.
Looking Ahead at Duke
A native of Lansing, Michigan, Anthony now joins Duke with one season of NCAA eligibility remaining, which he will utilize starting in the 2025 season. His experience and skill set are expected to bring additional depth and versatility to the Blue Devils’ wide receiver corps.
Throughout his college football journey, Anthony has proven himself as a dynamic playmaker. Across 32 career games, he has recorded 47 receptions for 761 yards, averaging 16.2 yards per catch, and scored four touchdowns. Additionally, he has two rushing attempts for four yards. His ability to stretch the field and make critical plays in big games will undoubtedly benefit Duke as they aim to elevate their program in the coming years.
Anthony’s Legacy So Far
Anthony’s career has been marked by resilience, versatility, and flashes of brilliance. At Michigan, he shared the team’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award during his freshman season, a testament to his immediate impact on the field. His standout moments, such as his performance against Michigan State and his touchdown catch in the CFP Semifinal, highlight his potential to excel on the biggest stages.
Although his time at Oklahoma was marred by injury, his contributions before his setback demonstrated his ability to adapt to a new team and quickly emerge as a key offensive weapon. His journey reflects a determination to overcome adversity and continue pursuing excellence.
Why Anthony Fits at Duke
Coach Manny Diaz’s decision to bring in Anthony underscores Duke’s commitment to bolstering its offensive lineup. Anthony’s experience at two powerhouse programs like Michigan and Oklahoma equips him with the knowledge and skills needed to compete at a high level. His track record of making plays in crucial situations aligns well with Duke’s ambitions to strengthen its football program and compete in a competitive conference.
Anthony’s addition also brings leadership and experience to the Blue Devils. Having been part of championship-winning teams and enduring challenges such as injury recovery, he offers a perspective that can inspire his teammates both on and off the field.
Final Thoughts
Andrel Anthony’s arrival at Duke represents a new chapter in his collegiate football career. With a proven ability to deliver standout performances and a strong work ethic, he has the potential to make a significant impact for the Blue Devils. As he prepares for his final season of eligibility in 2025, fans and teammates alike can look forward to seeing Anthony contribute his talents to Duke’s gridiron success.
