The Blue Devils’ starter in 2025 threw for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns and six interceptions with the Blue Devils, leading them to an improbable ACC championship that nearly precluded the conference from the College Football Playoff. He had transferred to Duke from Tulane following the 2024 season and finished the 2025 season with the second-most passing yards in the FBS.
A potential entry into the portal for Mensah was reported earlier in the day by multiple outlets, which also reported Duke was fearful of losing its star player. The transfer portal opened on Jan. 2, and will close after Friday, Jan. 16.
With his decision to transfer, Mensah automatically becomes one of the best players in the portal, with programs such as Miami and Ole Miss still in search of a potential signal-caller for the 2026 college football season.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Tennessee is not among the teams pursuing Mensah.
Daniel Mensah statement
Mensah released a statement shortly following reports of his portal entrance, confirming he was leaving the Blue Devils:
‘I’m forever grateful for Duke and the coaching staff, Mensah wrote on his personal X account (formerly Twitter). ‘Thank you Duke family for everything. This wasn’t an easy decision, but after talking with my family, I believe it’s in my best interest to enter the transfer portal.
Darian Mensah contract
According to USA TODAY’s Matt Hayes, Mensah signed a two-year contract with Duke that would pay him $4 million annually.
However, according to Thamel, under his current contract setup, he can only receive revenue sharing through Duke unless it cancels his contract.
This could make Mensah’s signing with another school more difficult, but not impossible.
Darian Mensah stats
Here’s a look at Mensah’s stats in his two collegiate seasons:
2024 (Tulane): 189-of-287 passing (65.9%) for 2,723 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions
2025 (Duke): 334-of-500 passing, 3973 yards, 34 touchdowns and six interceptions