Should Mario Cristobal be worried about who his next QB would be? Carson Beck is off to the NFL after spending his final season with Miami that ended in a national title run. The Hurricanes need a proven QB who can carry the program into next season. And as of this week, they may already have their contingency plan lined up. Clarity came Tuesday night when the market finally moved.

“BREAKING: Duke QB Darian Mensah is officially in the transfer portal,” Geo Milian posted on X on January 21. “Miami is the expected destination, pending a hearing to come on February 2. Mensah threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns this season for the Blue Devils. Both passing marks were second in the country. He also completed 66.8% of his passes while throwing just six interceptions in 14 games.”

Duke believed it had its QB secured because Darian Mensah was not supposed to be available. After leading the Blue Devils to their first outright ACC title since 1962 and a 9-5 season, he had indicated he would return for his junior year. Instead, hours before the portal window closed Friday, he informed Duke in writing that he intended to transfer. By Monday, the relationship had escalated from internal discussions to a courtroom.

The Blue Devils responded aggressively.

They filed a lawsuit in Durham County seeking to block Darian Mensah’s exit. North Carolina judge Michael O’Foghludha issued a temporary restraining order that prevents the QB from enrolling elsewhere or licensing his NIL rights until a February 2 hearing. The order did not prevent the school from entering his name into the transfer portal, which NCAA bylaws require within two business days. By Wednesday night, he officially appeared in the portal, as first reported by CBS Sports.

Duke argues Darian Mensah is bound by a reported two-year NIL contract worth close to $4 million, running through December 31, 2026. In a statement released Wednesday, Duke Athletics said the university intends to honor the contract and expects the QB to do the same, calling the restraining order “necessary for the protection of Duke University’s rights.” Arbitration is pending, and the outcome will ripple beyond Durham.

For those focused on the national title chase, this is the moment when attention shifts forward. Miami is playing for now, but recruiting for next. Carson Beck transferred from Georgia and delivered the Hurricanes to their first national title game since 2003. His NFL future is not settled, but the school has operated as if it cannot afford to wait for clarity.

Can Mario Cristobal land Darian Mensah?

Miami has been active across the QB market. Cincinnati transfer Brendan Sorsby ended up at Texas Tech. Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt visited before committing to LSU. Alabama QB Ty Simpson was offered more than $6 million to return to college. None of those deals closed. Darian Mensah, if available, fits cleaner than the rest.

The Hurricanes have recent proof of concept. Cam Ward transferred from Washington State, produced a record-setting season, and became the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Carson Beck followed with a national title game appearance. Miami has turned the portal into a QB pipeline. The Duke transfer aligns with that trend.

On the field, Darian Mensah offers balance. He is a pocket passer who protects the ball, completing 66.8 percent of his throws in 2025. He also pushed the ball vertically, throwing for 300 or more yards six times and posting multiple four-touchdown games. His 85 passing grade was second-best in the ACC, trailing only Florida State’s Thomas Castellanos. Nationally, he ranked 13th. 

Top Stories

Josh Allen’s Strong Stance on Sean McDermott’s Exit Revealed After Owner Shared Bills QB’s Role in HC’s Firing

John Harbaugh Fires Giants Coach Battling Cancer as Ravens Block Staff Poaching

Bills Announce Concerning Josh Allen News as Owner Unloads on NFL Refs For Brandin Cooks Incident

Naomi Osaka Blasts Opponent Over Cold Handshake After Win: “Her Last Australian Open”

Viral 4-Year-Old NFL Picks Girl Faces Death Threats After Cardi B’s Profanity-Laced Rant

‘Desperate’ to Find Help, Cowboys Legend Troy Aikman Shares Medical Update on Chronic Issue

Miami is expected to lose Carson Beck and likely Emory Williams, who is in exit meetings and has travel scheduled to East Carolina. Depth will be an issue, and experience will be required. Darian Mensah has two years of eligibility remaining and production against ACC competition that translates immediately. Mario Cristobal has not commented publicly on the situation.