They were led by 14th-year head coach Jerry Schmitt and played their home games at Arthur J. Rooney Athletic Field.

Due to their head-to-head win over Sacred Heart, they received the NEC's automatic bid to the FCS Playoffs where they defeated Towson in the first round before losing in the second round to South Dakota State.

The NEC released their preseason coaches poll on July 24, 2018, with the Dukes predicted to finish in second place.

[2] The Dukes placed five players on the preseason all-NEC team.

[3] Offense AJ Hines – RB Nehari Crawford – WR Alex Conley – OL Matt Fitzpatrick – OL Defense Jonathant Istache – DB