Duke QB Darian Mensah Enters Transfer Portal Amid Ongoing Legal Battle
Darian Mensah, the starting quarterback for Duke University, is set to enter the transfer portal after notifying the school of his decision. This announcement follows Duke’s legal action against Mensah aimed at preventing his transfer. The transfer process and legal dispute raise significant implications for college athletics.
Duke University’s Legal Move Against Mensah
On January 16, 2026, Duke filed a lawsuit in Durham County, North Carolina. The attempt aimed to stop Mensah from entering the transfer portal. A judge, Michael O’Foghludha, granted a temporary restraining order but allowed Mensah to enter the portal. However, the judge restricted him from enrolling in another school or participating in football until further notice.
Details of the Legal Restrictions
The court order contains important stipulations:
- Mensah can enter the transfer portal.
- He is prohibited from enrolling at another institution.
- He cannot participate in football at another school.
- He must not license his name, image, or likeness (NIL) elsewhere.
Background on Mensah’s Contract
Mensah signed a significant contract with Duke in December 2024. This agreement granted the university exclusive NIL rights until December 31, 2026. It transitioned from a third-party NIL deal to a revenue-sharing contract under a major antitrust settlement known as the House settlement.
As of July 1, 2025, colleges can distribute up to $20.5 million in revenue sharing directly to student-athletes across all sports. Duke argues that allowing Mensah to breach his contract would result in “irreparable harm.” The university highlighted that his agreement does not include an early termination or buyout clause.
Impact of Transfer on College Football
Mensah is among the top returning quarterbacks in college football ahead of the 2026 season. Currently, he holds the distinction of being the No. 1 player in The Athletic’s transfer quarterback rankings. His entrance into the transfer portal would enable other schools to contact him officially, with Miami identified as a potential frontrunner for his recruitment.
Duke is also considering another transfer quarterback, Walker Eget, who recently entered the portal from San Jose State. Eget served as a two-year starter for the Spartans.
The Continuing Legal Battle
This ongoing situation emphasizes the complexities surrounding college athletics and player transfers. The temporary restraining order remains in effect until the next court hearing set for February 2.
A Duke athletics spokesperson reiterated the university’s commitment to honoring contracts and maintaining standards for all student-athletes. Men’s compliance with his contractual obligations is expected.
The situation is closely watched, as it could set precedents for future transfers and the handling of NIL rights in college sports.
