Everything to Know About Duke QB Darian Mensah Transfer Portal Controversy

Well, here we are — again.

Just two weeks after Demond Williams Jr. got into a dispute with the Washington Huskies regarding the quarterback signing a new NIL deal to stay with the program and then, days later, entering the transfer portal, quarterback Darian Mensah and the Duke Blue Devils appear to find themselves in the same predicament.

Here's everything you need to know about the unfolding situation between Mensah and the Blue Devils:

Mensah, who turns 21 later this month, spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Tulane from 2023-24. After redshirting the 2023 season, Mensah was the Green Wave's starting quarterback in 2024, with Mensah totaling 2,723 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, six interceptions and a 166.7 passer rating in 13 games, while completing 65.9% of his passes. Mensah's passer rating and completion percentage led the American Conference; he transferred to Duke for the 2025 season.

This season (14 games), Mensah totaled 3,973 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns, six interceptions and a 153.6 passer rating, while completing 66.8% of his passes. Mensah's passing yards and passing touchdowns led the ACC. While Duke finished 9-5 overall, it managed to win the ACC Championship, knocking off then-No. 20 Virginia.

Mensah reportedly signed an NIL deal in the ballpark of $4 million per season for two years to transfer to Duke in July 2025. He then expressed a desire to honor that contract in December.

On Jan. 16, Mensah posted to X that he was entering the transfer portal.

"I'm forever grateful for Duke and the coaching staff. Thank you Duke family for everything. This wasn’t an easy decision, but after talking with my family, I believe it's in my best interest to enter the transfer