Duke, Darian Mensah Settle Lawsuit Allowing QB To Transfer
Duke and quarterback Darian Mensah reached a Jan. 27 settlement that clears him to enter the NCAA transfer portal, with terms undisclosed.
Overview
Duke University and quarterback Darian Mensah reached an undisclosed settlement on Tuesday, Jan. 27, that allows Mensah to enter the NCAA transfer portal, the school and Mensah's agency said.
The settlement ends litigation that began after Mensah declared his intention to transfer on Jan. 16 and followed Duke's Jan. 20 lawsuit alleging he breached a multiyear NIL and marketing contract, Durham County court filings show.
Young Money APAA Sports said in a social media statement that Mensah "extends his sincere gratitude" and described the resolution as fair and agreeable, while Duke's athletic department said it sought to enforce contractual obligations and resolve the matter quickly, both statements said.
Mensah had signed a multiyear deal that Duke said granted exclusive NIL rights and was reported to pay him about $4 million annually, and he threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2025, according to team and recruiting reports.
A preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for Jan. 29 in Durham County Superior Court was superseded by the settlement, and multiple reports say Mensah is expected to transfer to the University of Miami, which did not respond to requests for comment.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this story neutrally: reporting sticks to facts, quotes institutional statements from Duke and Mensah’s agency, and notes legal steps (lawsuit, temporary restraining order, arbitration claim) without loaded language. The piece balances perspectives, attributes claims to named sources, and avoids editorializing, focusing on procedural developments.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Duke sued Mensah on Jan. 20, alleging he breached a multiyear NIL and marketing contract by attempting to enter the transfer portal without completing the required arbitration process.
Mensah signed a multiyear deal, reported as two-year $8 million or about $4 million annually, granting Duke exclusive NIL rights tied to his college football play.
Mensah is expected to transfer to the University of Miami.
Mensah's agency called it a fair resolution through good-faith discussions, with Mensah expressing gratitude to Duke; Duke emphasized upholding contracts and commitment to student-athletes.
Mensah threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2025, leading Duke to an ACC title.
History
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