The Duke Blue Devils are now without a quarterback after a stunning decision made on the final day of the transfer portal window.
The Duke Blue Devils are learning the hard way that you often lose them how you get them. Last season, former Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah entered the transfer portal after one season as the starter to join the Blue Devils with some allegations of tampering at the time. It’s now Groundhog Day, as Mensah announced on Friday – the final day of the transfer portal window – that he’s entering the portal. It’s a stunning announcement, considering Mensah posted a video three weeks ago about returning to the program.
It’s also a bit stunning considering that the portal closes on the day he entered, and Duke is simply without a quarterback. After leading the Blue Devils to an upset in the ACC championship, there was thought of momentum heading into both Mensah’s and head coach Manny Diaz’s second season with the program. Now, not only is Duke left high and dry, but there are also rumors immediately linking him to a conference rival – the Miami Hurricanes.
Here is the full story from Duke Roundtable writer Jordan Sigler on the stunning announcement and where the Blue Devils go next.
Mensah threw for 3,646 yards and 30 touchdowns to six interceptions in 2025, in addition to a rushing touchdown. It is the type of year that quarterback-needy teams covet. For Mensah, the snub from the College Football Playoff despite winning the conference may have led him to seek out a program that is currently competing for the national title in the Hurricanes. It’s tricky when Mensah signed a two-year, $8 million deal with Duke – and they reportedly hold his NIL rights, which may set up an unprecedented legal battle depending on how the situation unfolds. But for now, the Blue Devils are unexpectedly the last ones at the dance without a date.