What does Darian Mensah spurning Duke late in transfer portal mean for college football?
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Duke quarterback Darian Mensah, a key player in their ACC championship win, announced his transfer just before the portal window closed, despite previously committing to stay and being on a lucrative two-year deal.
- Mensah's late departure highlights the power players now hold in college football, especially at premium positions like quarterback, where demand outstrips supply and schools struggle to retain talent even with high compensation.
- The single transfer portal window and intense competition among programs have led to last-minute roster disruptions, leaving teams like Duke vulnerable with limited options to replace key players.
- Conferences and the NCAA face challenges regulating transfers due to legal and antitrust issues, with little hope for federal legislation soon; some suggest conferences might manage transfer rules internally to maintain order.
