Duke to List QB Darian Mensah in Transfer Portal Amid Legal Battle
Duke University plans to enter quarterback Darian Mensah into the transfer portal as early as Wednesday. This move comes following a legal dispute initiated by Duke just a day before, when the school filed a lawsuit to block Mensah’s transfer.
Duke’s Legal Challenge
A Durham County judge, Michael O’Foghludha, ruled on the case and granted a temporary restraining order. Notably, this order allows Mensah to enter the transfer portal but prevents him from enrolling at another institution, playing football elsewhere, or licensing his name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights.
Timeline of Events
- January 13, 2026: Mensah notified Duke of his intention to transfer.
- January 16, 2026: Duke filed a lawsuit against Mensah.
- January 17, 2026: The judge issued a temporary restraining order.
- January 18, 2026: Duke aims to enter Mensah into the transfer portal.
Background on Darian Mensah
Darian Mensah received recognition as a second-team All-ACC quarterback in 2025. Heading into the 2026 season, he is ranked as the top transfer quarterback by The Athletic. Entry into the transfer portal allows other schools to reach out to Mensah, with Miami being considered the frontrunner for his recruitment.
Contractual Obligations and Implications
The lawsuit references a contract Mensah signed in December 2024. This agreement provided Duke exclusive rights to his NIL through December 31, 2026. The contract transitioned to a revenue-sharing model following a multi-billion-dollar antitrust settlement.
As per NCAA rules, the transfer portal process mandates that schools have two business days to enter a player’s name after they express their intention to transfer. Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Duke had until Wednesday to act.
Duke’s Statement on Mensah’s Situation
A spokesperson from Duke Athletics remarked on the situation, emphasizing the importance of contractual integrity. They stated, “The university is committed to supporting all our student-athletes while expecting each of them to abide by their contractual obligations.”
The judge’s restraining order will remain in effect until a hearing scheduled for February 2, 2026, ensuring a crucial period of deliberation regarding Mensah’s future.
