Duke starting quarterback Darian Mensah has made a surprising late entry into the NCAA transfer portal, submitting his paperwork on January 16, 2026, just hours before the midnight deadline. This decision reverses his earlier commitment to return to Duke and makes him one of the most sought-after players in the portal as programs scramble to secure a quarterback for the upcoming season.
Mensah announced his decision via a post on social media, stating that after discussions with his family, he believes entering the transfer portal is in his best interest. The transfer window opened on January 2 and was set to close on January 16, making his last-minute move unexpected and significant for the college football landscape. His entry comes less than a month after he had decided to return to Duke for his redshirt junior season, having explored NFL draft possibilities.
In the 2025 season, Mensah led Duke to an improbable ACC championship, their first outright title since 1962, by throwing for 3,973 yards with 34 touchdowns and six interceptions. He earned second-team All-ACC honors and was ranked fifth among quarterbacks for the 2026 NFL draft before his change of plans. His performance included a conference-leading passing yardage and a 67% completion rate, showcasing his skills as a top-tier collegiate quarterback.
Complicating the transfer is Mensah’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) contract with Duke, which is a two-year deal paying up to $4 million annually. According to sources, the contract grants Duke exclusive NIL rights, meaning Mensah may not be able to earn revenue-sharing money at his next school unless Duke terminates the agreement. There is no specific buyout clause, but this setup could pose challenges for potential suitors and influence his final decision.
Duke’s football program faces immediate uncertainty with Mensah’s departure. Backup quarterback Henry Belin IV has already transferred to Missouri State, leaving coach Manny Diaz with few proven options in the portal to fill the void. The Blue Devils had added North Alabama transfer Ari Patu and incoming freshman Dan Mahan, but neither has the experience of Mensah, who started 27 games over his career at Tulane and Duke.
Miami is widely considered the favorite to land Mensah, as the Hurricanes have not secured a transfer quarterback in this window and have a history of adding top talent. Other programs like Ole Miss are also in the mix, but reports indicate that Tennessee is not pursuing him. Mensah’s availability adds a high-profile option for teams needing a quarterback, with his two remaining years of eligibility offering long-term stability.
As the transfer portal closes, the focus shifts to Mensah’s recruitment and how Duke will adapt to his absence. This situation underscores the increasing impact of NIL agreements and transfer dynamics in college football, where player movements can swiftly alter team fortunes and competitive balances for the upcoming season.
