Money Push for Darian Mensah Exposes College Football’s Portal Problem
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Duke quarterback Darian Mensah, who initially announced his intention to stay for the 2026 season, entered the transfer portal and is expected to join ACC rival Miami, leaving Duke without a high-caliber QB replacement.
- Miami has aggressively pursued top transfer quarterbacks, having previously secured Cam Ward and Carson Beck, and is reportedly offering Mensah a record-breaking financial package, possibly exceeding $6.5 million.
- Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich supports an uncapped player compensation market with transparency, acknowledging the challenges of regulating competitive equality amid escalating spending on elite players.
- The increased emphasis on experienced quarterbacks reflects a broader trend in college football, where transfer QBs significantly impact team success, as seen with recent playoff contenders and Heisman winners.
