Duke's Mensah plans to enter transfer portal

Duke quarterback Darian Mensah announced his plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal Friday.

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

Friday marked the deadline to enter the transfer portal for players who aren't participating in the national title game.

Mensah is in the second year of an NIL deal with the Blue Devils that would pay him $4 million, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

According to Duke's understanding of the situation, the school will retain Mensah's exclusive NIL rights and is the only party that has the ability to cancel the deal, per Thamel. Mensah can only access his revenue-share money through the Blue Devils unless the team terminates his contract.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound passer transferred to Duke after beginning his collegiate career at Tulane.

Mensah established himself as an All-ACC selection in his first season with the Blue Devils, leading them to the 2025 conference championship. He finished second in the FBS with 3,973 passing yards and 34 touchdowns while completing 66.8% of his pass attempts.

Several top names have quickly found new teams since the transfer window opened Jan. 2. Miami, Tennessee and Ole Miss are among the teams with a potential need at quarterback. The Hurricanes are the early favorites to land a commitment from Mensah, Thamel reports.