Darian Mensah got some bit of good news in his ongoing legal battle with Duke University, but the wheels of justice will continue to turn slower than the quarterback would like in this case.
Mensah's legal team filed a motion to have the preliminary junction hearing today, stating that several teams had expressed that they couldn't entertain a transfer after today. The judge moved the hearing to January 29, up from its original date of February 2.
NEWS: Duke QB Darian Mensah’s preliminary injunction hearing appears to have been moved up to Thursday, January 29, at 2:30 PM EST.
— Geo Milian (@GeoMilian) January 23, 2026
Mensah had filed an emergency motion seeking to have the hearing held today rather than the initial February 2nd date. https://t.co/kKMmsfY72a pic.twitter.com/TZ7rlBGgKs
Miami will keep a close eye on Mensah's legal battle with Duke
Mensah, who is already in the transfer portal but not allowed to move to another school or play anywhere other than Duke until the end of the calendar year, announced his decision to enter the portal before last Friday's deadline and, if he's allowed to move, is expected to end up at Miami. Duke, however, is challenging the contract that Mensah signed, saying it binds him to the University.
For now, all Mario Cristobal and those associated with Miami football can do is be patient and continue to explore potential Plan B options, which include keeping another eye on the situation with former Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro.
Navarro, a super senior, is hoping to get a 7th year of eligibility and his situation remains fluid.
It's business as usual in Coral Gables
With the Mensah situation hanging over their heads, the Hurricanes staff continues to work on the business of building the roster for 2026. That includes a couple of important retentions — defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. and linebacker Mohamed Toure announced their plans to return and running back Girard Pringle Jr. pulled himself out of the transfer portal a day after entering.
Cristobal is also making serious noise with additions from the transfer portal. The Hurricanes began the process of rebuilding the pass rush by adding former Missouri edge rusher Damon Wilson II, who had nine sacks this past season for the Tigers. Wilson started his college career at Georgia and is also dealing with a legal battle based on his initial contract with the Bulldogs. But it should not stop Wilson from suiting up for the Hurricanes in 2026.