Duke University Initiates Legal Action Against Quarterback Darian Mensah Over Transfer Dispute
Duke University has initiated legal proceedings against their quarterback, Darian Mensah, aiming to prevent his transfer to another institution for the upcoming season.
The lawsuit was filed in Durham County Superior Court on Monday, which was three days after Mensah altered his initial decision and announced his departure from the Blue Devils. Mensah had previously been instrumental in leading the team to an Atlantic Coast Conference title. The court’s online portal has listed a hearing for this case on February 2.
The university contends that a two-season contract, which Mensah signed in July 2025 and extends to 2026, grants them exclusive rights to his name, image, and likeness (NIL) in relation to college football. Duke is seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent Mensah from entering the transfer portal and to stop any further steps towards a new agreement with another school. They argue that contract disputes should be settled through arbitration.
The complaint, filed by Duke, states: “This case arises out of the decision of a star quarterback in the increasingly complex world of college athletics. But at its core, this is a simple case that involves the integrity of contracts.”
On Tuesday afternoon, sports-law attorney Darren Heitner, who represents Mensah, informed The Associated Press via email that the court denied Duke’s request for a temporary restraining order. However, Heitner later posted on social media indicating that Mensah “is not, for the time being” permitted to enroll or play for another team until a judge’s decision at the upcoming hearing.
Mensah, who previously transferred from Tulane and faced his former team, achieved significant success by throwing for 3,973 yards and tying for second in the Bowl Subdivision with 34 passing touchdowns.
This case reflects a growing trend in college sports where legal battles over NIL contracts occur as players attempt to transfer. Earlier this month, Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. announced his intention to transfer, later retracting his decision amid reports that legal action could be taken to enforce his NIL contract. In December, Missouri pass rusher Damon Wilson II filed a lawsuit alleging that Georgia’s athletic department sought to unlawfully penalize him for entering the transfer portal in January 2025.
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