Miami's long-running pursuit of Duke quarterback Darian Mensah looks like it has paid off.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Tuesday that Duke and Mensah reached a settlement that now paves the way for Mensah's expected transfer to Miami, ending the transfer-portal limbo created by Duke's attempt to enforce a multiyear NIL contract.
The settlement between Duke and Darian Mensah paves the way for his expected transfer to Miami, per sources. That'd been his expected destination since he entered the NCAA transfer portal.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 27, 2026
"We are committed to fulfilling all promises and obligations Duke makes to our student-athletes when we enter into contractual agreements with them, and we expect the same in return. Enforcing those agreements is a necessary element of ensuring predictability and structure for athletic programs. It is nonetheless a difficult choice to pursue legal action against a student and teammate; for this reason, we sought to resolve the matter fairly and quickly."Duke
Darian Mensah and Duke reach settlement
The settlement resolves a messy standoff that had turned into a court case. Duke filed suit in Durham County Superior Court earlier this month, arguing Mensah was bound to a two-season name, image and likeness agreement signed in July 2025.
A judge initially allowed Mensah to enter the NCAA transfer portal but restricted him from enrolling elsewhere or taking additional steps toward playing for a new program while the legal fight played out.
Now, the pathway appears clear as Mensah, and top WR Cooper Barkate, are expected to commit to Miami.
Mensah is coming off a monster 2025 season in which he led the ACC in passing yards (3,973) and threw 34 touchdown passes against six interceptions while guiding Duke to a 9-5 finish and an ACC championship crown. Mensah began his college career at Tulane before transferring to Duke.
#YMAPAA pic.twitter.com/BNlKicWCt0
— YM APAA Sports (@YMAPAAsports) January 27, 2026
Mensah's desire to transfer would have probably been an issue regardless. But, the fact that it is going to be to Miami stings for the Blue Devils. He now lines up to replace outgoing starter Carson Beck. The addition puts Miami in a great place to make another run in the College Football Playoff. Duke and Miami face off on Nov. 14.