Darian Mensah, the former Tulane quarterback, recently transferred to Duke after a standout season that included 2,723 passing yards and 22 touchdowns. His move comes on the heels of Duke's quarterback Maalik Murphy leaving for Oregon State, putting coach Manny Diaz in a tough spot. Mensah, who has reportedly signed a $4 million NIL deal, emphasized that financial reasons weren’t his primary motivation; rather, he seeks to compete in the ACC to enhance his NFL prospects. His decision was also influenced by the opportunity to repay his family with financial stability.

By the Numbers
  • Darian Mensah threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns at Tulane.
  • Mensah's NIL deal is reported to be worth $4 million.
State of Play
  • Duke will face Tulane in Louisiana on September 13 as part of their non-conference schedule.
  • Menash aims to elevate his game and prepare for the NFL while at Duke.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Mensah will focus on showcasing his skills at Duke and making an impact in the ACC. His performance in upcoming games will be vital for his aspirations of entering the NFL draft.

Bottom Line

Darian Mensah's transfer to Duke signifies a strategic move for both player and program, combining competitive ambition with financial opportunity, marking a pivotal moment in his career as he aims for NFL success.