Overview
- Mensah announced his decision hours before the Jan. 16 portal deadline, reversing a Dec. 19 pledge to return to Duke for 2026.
- Multiple reports identify Miami as the early front-runner for Mensah’s recruitment, with other quarterback-needy programs monitoring the situation.
- ESPN and Reuters report Duke holds Mensah’s exclusive NIL rights, which could block revenue-sharing at a new school unless the deal is terminated, and legal analysts warn another program could face tortious‑interference claims.
- Duke is scrambling for a replacement with few proven options left after backup Henry Belin IV transferred to Missouri State; reporting indicates the Blue Devils are evaluating former Florida QB DJ Lagway, who had been trending toward Baylor.
- Mensah threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2025 to win the ACC title at Duke, has two years of eligibility remaining, and instantly becomes the top available QB in a compressed market.