Jordan Larsen: A Force in the Trenches Heads to Duke Football
Duke football has bolstered its offensive line with the addition of Jordan Larsen, a graduate transfer from the University of South Dakota. The 6-foot-3, 310-pound interior offensive lineman brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the Blue Devils program under second-year head coach Manny Diaz. Larsen’s commitment, announced on April 28, 2025, comes after a successful stint with the Coyotes, where he was a key contributor to their recent achievements.
During his time at South Dakota, Larsen established himself as a reliable and powerful presence on the offensive line. He started all 13 games at left guard in the 2024 season, a year in which the Coyotes achieved a program-best 11 wins and secured a share of the Missouri Valley Conference title. Larsen’s contributions were instrumental in South Dakota’s offensive prowess, as the team ranked among the top in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in several key categories, including tackles for loss allowed (2nd), rushing offense (6th), total offense (9th), and sacks allowed (9th). The Coyotes’ offense also showcased its explosiveness with six games of 500+ total yards and four games exceeding 300 rushing yards.
Prior to his stellar 2024 season, Larsen also saw action in 11 games as a redshirt freshman in 2023, primarily on special teams, as South Dakota made its way to the FCS playoffs. He redshirted in his true freshman year in 2022 and was recognized as a member of the MVFC honor roll.
Larsen’s decision to transfer to Duke was met with enthusiasm by the Blue Devils coaching staff and fans alike. His experience as a full-time starter in a successful FCS program addresses a crucial need for Duke, which saw several players depart via the transfer portal after the 2024 season. Larsen’s addition is part of a concerted effort by Coach Diaz to strengthen the roster through strategic transfer acquisitions.
Notably, Larsen garnered significant interest from several other programs, including West Virginia, Illinois, Tulane, Vanderbilt, Kansas State, and Arizona, highlighting his value and potential at the Power Four level. His official visit to Duke’s facilities seemingly solidified his choice, and he will arrive in Durham with two years of eligibility remaining, starting with the 2025 campaign.
The arrival of Jordan Larsen injects not only size and strength but also a winning mentality into the Duke offensive line. His experience in a championship-caliber FCS program will be invaluable as the Blue Devils aim to build on their progress under Coach Diaz. Larsen’s ability to excel in both pass protection and run blocking suggests he will be a versatile asset, capable of making an immediate impact in the highly competitive ACC. As Duke prepares for the 2025 season, the addition of a seasoned player like Jordan Larsen signals a clear intent to fortify the trenches and establish a strong foundation for offensive success.
