Duke’s star quarterback reverses decision to remain in school, enters transfer portal hours before deadline

Duke’s star quarterback Darian Mensah changed his mind at the last minute and entered the transfer portal hours before it closed.

Mensah, 20, submitted his transfer paperwork Friday, just before midnight, the entry deadline for FBS and FCS players. In December, Mensah said he would return to Duke for his redshirt junior season after contemplating declaring for the NFL Draft.

Instead of returning for his second season with the Blue Devils, Mensah will look for a new college team.

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Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) looks to throw in the second quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2025 ACC Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on December 6, 2025. (Bob Donnan/Image Images)

“I will be forever grateful to Duke and the coaching staff. Thank you to the Duke family for everything. This was not an easy decision, but after speaking with my family, I believe it is best for me to enter the transfer portal,” Mensah posted on X.

He was reportedly set to enter the second year of a two-year contract that would pay him up to $4 million, according to ESPN. Mensah’s decision to leave Duke on the final day of the transfer portal leaves Duke in a difficult position, as they have few options available in the portal to replace him.

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Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) celebrates after the Blue Devils scored a touchdown in overtime during the ACC Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on December 6, 2025. (Bob Donnan/Image Images)

Duke’s 2025 backup quarterback, Henry Belin IV, has already transferred to Missouri State after entering the transfer portal.

Mensah only spent one season at Duke after transferring from Tulane the previous offseason. His lone season was a successful one, as he helped lead Duke to an ACC title, beating No. 17 Virginia 27-20 in overtime for Duke’s first outright ACC championship victory since 1962.

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Mensah earned second-team All-ACC honors, completing 66.6% of his passes for 3,973 yards with 35 total touchdowns and six interceptions. His 3,973 passing yards led the ACC.

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