Darian Mensah’s last-second exit from Duke follows trend set by college football leaders

Duke quarterback Darian Mensah has entered the transfer portal, a surprising move as he had previously announced his intention to return for the 2026 season. Mensah's decision comes just before the transfer portal closes, leaving Duke without a starting quarterback. The Blue Devils had made a significant financial commitment to Mensah, offering him a contract worth over $3 million annually, with potential to reach $4 million with incentives.

Miami emerges as a leading contender for Mensah, having been actively seeking a transfer quarterback after unsuccessful attempts to secure other candidates. The situation highlights ongoing issues in college football regarding player movement and financial incentives, with Mensah's decision reflecting broader trends of self-interest fueled by the current system.

The transfer has ignited discussions about the need for structured regulations in college sports. Despite efforts by the College Sports Commission to impose rules requiring cooperation in investigations and adherence to enforcement decisions, legal challenges and resistance from member schools persist. The debate over implementing collective bargaining as a potential solution to the chaotic