Duke quarterback Darian Mensah remains in limbo after entering the transfer portal, unable to enroll or play for another college until a North Carolina judge rules on the university’s request for an injunction that would block his departure.
According to ESPN, an injunction hearing is scheduled for Feb. 2 before Ed Wilson in Durham County Superior Court. Mensah’s attorney, Darren Heitner, said he will seek to move the hearing to an earlier date.
Mensah informed Duke coach Manny Diaz on Friday that he intended to transfer. Mensah signed a multi-year NIL contract with Duke in July 2024 believed to be worth $4 million this year.
“Mr. Mensah has an existing contract with Duke which the university intends to honor, and we expect he will do the same,” the athletics department said Wednesday, citing a court-ordered temporary restraining order that prevents him from violating the agreement.
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Duke sued Mensah on Tuesday. Judge Michael O'Foghludha denied part of Duke’s request that would have barred Mensah from entering the portal, then recused himself from future proceedings due to a conflict of interest.
Under the NIL contract, disputes must be resolved through arbitration. Duke said it filed an arbitration claim Monday and sought interim relief, arguing its rights would be “practically worthless” if Mensah were allowed to enroll elsewhere.
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Mensah is believed to be headed to Miami, where he would replace Carson Beck, who heads to the NFL.
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