Duke Faces NIL Contract Fight as Darian Mensah Eyes Transfer
Duke University has initiated a legal battle against quarterback Darian Mensah, aimed at blocking his transfer to another school. This lawsuit was filed in the Durham County Superior Court on a Monday, just three days after Mensah announced his decision to leave the Blue Devils. He had previously indicated he would return after leading the team to an Atlantic Coast Conference title.
Duke’s Legal Action Against Mensah
The university’s lawsuit claims that a two-season contract with Mensah, signed in July 2025, grants them exclusive rights to his name, image, and likeness (NIL) associated with college football. The contract is set to run through 2026. Duke is seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent Mensah from entering the transfer portal and engaging with other schools regarding potential deals. The argument presented by Duke asserts that arbitration is required before disputes can be settled.
Court Hearing Details
A hearing concerning this matter is scheduled for February 2. Legal representatives of Mensah have stated that Duke’s initial request for a restraining order to block his entry into the transfer portal has been denied. However, they clarified that Mensah is currently not permitted to enroll or play for another school until a judge makes a ruling.
Mensah’s Performance and Background
- Previous College: Transferred from Tulane University
- 2025 Season Stats: 3,973 passing yards, 34 touchdowns
- Previous Achievements: Led Duke to an Atlantic Coast Conference title
The ongoing dispute between Mensah and Duke reflects a growing trend in college athletics, where legal conflicts over NIL contracts and transfers are becoming more common. In recent weeks, similar situations have arisen with other players. For instance, Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. recently considered transferring but later decided to return, amid reports that the school was prepared to take legal action regarding his NIL contract.
Additionally, in December, Missouri pass rusher Damon Wilson II initiated legal proceedings against Georgia, alleging wrongful punishment for entering the transfer portal in January 2025.
This case illustrates the complexity of player contracts and university regulations in the evolving landscape of college sports, especially under the revenue-sharing model.
