Progress is evident in Darian Mensah’s pursuit to transfer from Duke, even amidst ongoing legal proceedings in a Durham, North Carolina court.
The channels of communication between the Blue Devils and Mensah’s camp remain open. As of Sunday morning, both parties are actively seeking to resolve the matter outside the courtroom, sources from CBS Sports report.
While there’s no finalized agreement, optimism is growing. A resolution may be possible before the scheduled court date on January 29 for a preliminary injunction hearing.
The urgency on Mensah’s side is palpable. Currently, he isn’t permitted to enroll at another institution despite entering the transfer portal earlier this week.
A temporary restraining order from the North Carolina court has been granted to Duke, preventing Mensah from enrolling, playing football, or licensing his NIL with another school until at least January 29.
On January 23, Mensah’s camp filed an emergency motion, seeking reconsideration of the temporary restraining order. Initially scheduled for February 2, the hearing was moved up to expedite the process due to the request made by Mensah’s representatives.
Duke took legal action against Mensah on January 20 after he expressed his desire to enter the transfer portal. The Blue Devils claim he violated his contract by trying to enter the portal and insists he must remain in the program to complete the arbitration process outlined in the contract to resolve any disputes.
Mensah opted to enter the portal on January 16, just hours before the deadline for players to submit their names.
Duke’s lawsuit included a request for a temporary restraining order as part of its 44-page filing. While part of the request was granted, Mensah was still allowed to enter his name into the NCAA’s transfer portal database.
This conflict between Mensah’s aspirations to enter the portal and Duke’s legal maneuvers showcases the ongoing tension between players and programs regarding contractual agreements.
In recent interactions, Washington has similarly prevented quarterback Demond Williams from entering the portal based on his contract terms, while former Georgia edge Damon Wilson is currently in litigation against the Bulldogs over his agreement.
Mensah joined Duke last offseason under what closely approached a record-setting, two-year deal worth $8 million. Initially, it appeared beneficial for both parties, as Duke clinched the 2025 ACC championship, while Mensah ranked second nationally in passing yards and touchdowns.
If Mensah is eventually permitted to enroll elsewhere, Miami is reportedly the frontrunner among many suitors, according to various sources.
Currently, Mensah holds the No. 18 spot overall and is ranked as the No. 6 quarterback in the 247Sports Transfer Portal rankings, making him the top available prospect in the transfer portal.
