Daal Joins Duke Football Program

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke head football coach Manny Diaz announced Tuesday that running back Wilhelm "Billy" Daal has signed a financial aid agreement to attend the institution and join the Blue Devil gridiron program.

Daal played in 25 games for Yale over the past four years, helping the Bulldogs to a combined record of 31-11 and 21-7 in Ivy League play. Yale captured the Ivy League crown in 2025 and made the conference's first appearance in the FCS playoffs, advancing to the second round before falling 21-13 to eventual FCS champion Montana State. Daal also helped Yale claim Ivy League titles in 2022 and 2023.

This fall, the 6-1, 220-pound Daal played in all 12 games, rushing 80 times for 439 yards (5.49) and two touchdowns. He added 11 receptions for 51 yards (4.64). He booked two or more carries in all 12 games, seven or more in six contests and 10 or more versus Lehigh (14) and Stonehill (11). He registered 40 or more ground yards five times, 60 or more twice and a year-high 112 against Columbia. He rushed for touchdowns versus Stonehill and Columbia. The score versus Columbia was an 81-yard blast in the third quarter, tied for the seventh-longest rush in program history. Daal caught two or more passes against Holy Cross (three) and Lehigh (two), finishing with a season-best 17 receiving yards versus Lehigh.

Daal, an Amityville, New York, native, will have one season of eligibility remaining beginning with the 2026 campaign.

During the 2024 campaign, Daal appeared in three games and registered seven carries for 49 yards (7.00) and a touchdown. He also returned one kickoff for 17 yards (17.00). In 2023, Daal experienced action in seven contests and rushed nine times for 32 yards (3.56). During his true freshman year of 2022, Daal played in three games with two carries for three yards (1.50).

During his Bulldog career, he totaled 98 carries for 523 yards (5.34) and three touchdowns while adding 11 receptions for 51 yards (4.64) and one kickoff return for 17 yards (17.00).

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Daal Joins Duke Football Program

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