Why did Darian Mensah transfer from Duke? Stats, 247 rankings, more
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In the 11th hour of the college football transfer portal, a prominent quarterback is on the move.
Duke quarterback Darian Mensah has entered his name into the transfer portal, a decision that closes his time with Manny Diaz’s program in Durham, North Carolina after one season that saw the Blue Devils win the ACC Championship.
It’s the second consecutive season that Mensah, one of college football’s highest-paid quarterbacks this past season, is in the transfer portal. He transferred to Duke following the 2024 season from Tulane.
As noted by USA TODAY Sports’ Matt Hayes in December, Mensah was set to enter the 2026 season with the Blue Devils on the back half of a two-year, $8 million deal that he signed before the 2025 season. The 6-foot-3 sophomore quarterback led the Blue Devils to a 9-5 overall record in 2025.
He is now expected to become one of the top players in the transfer portal, which closes on Friday, Jan. 16 before 11:59 p.m. local time. Here’s what to know on Mensah as he enters the transfer portal:
Why did Darian Mensah transfer from Duke?
In a statement posted on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account, Mensah said it “wasn’t an easy decision” to transfer out of Duke, but one that was in his “best interest.”
“I’m forever grateful for Duke and the coaching staff. 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,” Mensah wrote on X.
I’m forever grateful for Duke and the coaching staff. 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 (@DarianMensah) January 16, 2026
Darian Mensah stats
Mensah posted career-high numbers at Duke in 2025, throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdown passes in 14 starts. He led the Blue Devils to a historic ACC Championship win over Virginia, followed by a win over Arizona State in the Sun Bowl.
Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of Mensah’s stats at Tulane and Duke:
- 2024 (Tulane): 189-of-287 passing (65.9%) for 2,723 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions; 132 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on 60 carries
- 2025 (Duke): 334-of-500 passing (66.8%) for 3,973 yards with 34 touchdowns and six interceptions; one rushing touchdown
Darian Mensah 247 rankings
Here’s a look at Mensah’s recruiting grades from rankings out of high school, per 247Sports Composite:
- Stars: Two
- National ranking: No. 2,298
- Position ranking: No. 135
- State ranking: No. 212
Note: 247Sports has not released recruiting grades for Mensah in the transfer portal
Is Darian Mensah transferring to Miami?
It is uncertain where Mensah will transfer. However, several high-profile programs are still in search for a quarterback, including Miami which reportedly offered $6.5 million to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson after he had already declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
According to the Miami Herald, Mensah is expected to sign with Miami, “barring something unforeseen.”
Another team in need of a quarterback that isn’t in the mix for Mensah is Tennessee, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Darian Mensah enters transfer portal: Stats, 247 rankings, landing spots
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