When a player walks away from a $4 million-per-year deal before it ends, frustration is inevitable. That was the case with Darian Mensah and Duke. Now, the standoff appears over. After weeks of tension and a lawsuit over his transfer portal entry, Duke has backed off and allowed Mensah to transfer freely. ESPN’s Pete Thamel shared the school’s official statement on X.

“Duke University Athletics and Darian Mensah have reached a resolution that enables both parties to move forward,” read the statement. “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 remains dedicated to the welfare of all student-athletes, and we appreciate them for the talent, dedication, and commitment to excellence they demonstrate both on and off the field.

We also remain committed to upholding the integrity of our athletics programs and institutional guidelines. We thank Darian for his contributions to Duke University.”

It looks like Miami got exactly what it wanted. Duke’s case hinged on quarterback Darian Mensah’s two-year, multi-million-dollar NIL deal, which the school signed in July 2025. The agreement was worth $8 million and ran through the end of 2026. with the contract running through the end of 2026. The school argued that the contract tied Mensah to Duke and gave the program exclusive rights to his NIL for both academics and football. When Mensah entered the transfer portal and started looking at Miami, Duke viewed it as a clear breach. And took it to court.

A judge later allowed Mensah to enter the portal but initially barred him from enrolling or playing at another school until the court issued a longer-term ruling. Mensah’s lawyers pushed back, arguing that missing enrollment deadlines would cause “irreparable harm” to his career. That pressure helped move both sides toward a settlement. The agreement spared everyone a public preliminary injunction hearing that was set for January 29.

In their statements, both sides stressed they reached a “fair and mutually agreeable resolution” through good-faith talks. Now, Mensah is free to head to Coral Gables, and he won’t be going alone.

Miami enjoys the QB-WR reunion

Miami’s need for Darian Mensah came out the moment he entered the transfer portal on January 16. The Hurricanes needed an experienced, high-level starter after Carson Beck exhausted his eligibility. With backup Emory Williams also transferring, Miami suddenly found itself scarce under center. The number is down to just three scholarship QBs before Mensah. But Mensah won’t be coming alone.

He’s set to reunite with his favorite target from Duke, wide receiver Cooper Barkate. Just hours after Mensah’s chaotic exit from Durham, Barkate followed him. He has one year of eligibility left, and the Canes are safe for this season. The chemistry is top-notch. Barkate transferred to Duke last offseason after three seasons at Harvard.

Top Stories

Bills Officially Cut Ties With 4 Players as Josh Allen Remain Without HC After Philip Rivers Quits

ICE to Conduct Immigration Enforcement at Patriots vs. Seahawks Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, as Per Official

Strahan Family in Mourning as Michael Strahan’s Cancer-Free Daughter Grieves Close Friend’s Loss After Cancer Battle

Travis Kelce Makes Major Career Decision as Chiefs TE Contemplates Retirement

Jerry Jones’ Cowboys Make Triple Firing Decision After Blocking Coach’s Exit

Coco Gauff Smashes Racket in Anger After Losing in Just 59 Minutes at Australian Open

He contributed with 72 catches for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns across 14 games. Mensah regularly referred to him as his “go-to guy,” and on the field, Barkate was his backup. Against Georgia, Barkate racked up 13 catches for 172 yards, contributing to more than 60 percent of Mensah’s passing yards early in the game. If that duo lands in Coral Gables together, Miami will be getting ready-made chemistry.