New Orleans-area high schools have produced countless talented athletes who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level across the country. Throughout the spring of 2026, the Allstate Sugar Bowl will recognize the accomplishments of these athletes through its New Orleans Athlete Spotlights, presented by LCMC Health.

New Orleans Football Athletes

Sept. 18, 2026
Nate Sheppard, Mandeville/Duke Football
A 5-foot-10 running back, Nate Sheppard has led the Duke football team to a 2-0 start with wins over Tulane and Illinois to open the season. The sophomore has rushed for a team-high 374 yards and three touchdowns in the first two contests. Sheppard rushed for a career-high 227 yards and two touchdowns in the Blue Devils' 17-3 victory over Tulane to open the season. For his record-setting performance, Sheppard was named the first Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week of the 2026 season and was voted the ACC Running Back of the Week.

Sheppard's 227 yards marked the fifth-highest single-game rushing total in Duke history and the most by a Blue Devil since Mataeo Durant set the school record with 255 yards against Charlotte in 2021. Sheppard's performance was the 10th 200-yard rushing game in program history. In two seasons with the Blue Devils, Sheppard rushed for 1,506 yards and 14 touchdowns in 16 career games.

Prior to attending Duke, Sheppard lettered four seasons at Mandeville. A 2023 all-state honoree, Sheppard was also a two-time all-district and all-parish selection. During his junior season, Sheppard totaled 1,816 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns while adding 316 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. He was named the  Allstate Sugar Bowl Athlete of the Month in 2024.