Darian Mensah’s last-second exit from Duke follows trend set by college football leaders
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Duke quarterback Darian Mensah announced his return for the 2026 season in a video but later revealed he is entering the transfer portal just before the deadline, surprising Duke and leaving the team without a clear starting quarterback.
- Mensah’s departure is likely motivated by financial incentives, with Miami reportedly interested and willing to offer significantly more money, highlighting the competitive and business-driven nature of college football transfers.
- The situation underscores ongoing issues in college football, including the lack of enforceable rules around tampering, the failure of the College Sports Commission to gain unanimous support, and the broader challenge of balancing individual interests with the sport’s greater good.
- The current fragmented system, with conferences prioritizing their own media rights and competitive advantages, has led to
