In a pretty surprising move, Duke quarterback Darian Mensah has decided to stick around in college football instead of jumping to the NFL Draft. By doing this, Mensah’s actually going to make more money through private NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals than he probably would have as an NFL rookie.
It’s wild to see college football’s financial landscape shifting like this. The draw of big NIL money is starting to rival what the NFL can offer, at least for some of these top players.
The Financial Dynamics of NIL Deals
Mensah’s choice to stay at Duke really puts a spotlight on how much NIL deals matter now. He’ll make at least $4 million next year—the second half of an $8 million, two-year deal he locked in before this season even started.
If he’d gone pro, he’d almost certainly be looking at a smaller paycheck, depending on where he landed in the draft. That’s a tough call for any athlete.
Comparing NFL Rookie Contracts
Let’s look at NFL rookie contracts for a little context. In the 2025 NFL Draft:
- Jaxson Dart, picked 25th by the Giants, got a four-year deal averaging $4.2 million a year.
- Tyler Shough, 40th overall to the Saints, signed for $2.7 million annually over four years.
- Jalen Milroe, 92nd to the Seahawks, is making $1.56 million per year.
Mensah, who probably wouldn’t have gone in the top 50, is making more by staying put. That’s not something you saw much in the past.
The Changing Paradigm of College Football
When a star quarterback like Mensah chooses college over the NFL, it says a lot about where things are headed. Private NIL deals have turned college football into a real financial competitor for pro sports, at least for the top guys.
The Role of Private NIL Deals
Private NIL deals are now the backbone of the college football economy. Since they’re not regulated by the NCAA, players can negotiate for some pretty huge numbers.
Schools are going all-in to keep their best athletes. Just look at these examples:
- Ohio State shelled out for names like Quinshon Judkins, Will Howard, and Caleb Downs, which helped them win a national title.
- Indiana landed Fernando Mendoza and ended up with their first undefeated regular season ever.
- Duke finally grabbed an outright ACC title, their first in over sixty years, with Mensah leading the way.
Implications for the NFL
All this NIL money is starting to look like a real headache for the NFL. College football isn’t just a pipeline anymore—it’s a legitimate alternative for top-tier talent.
It’s possible we’ll see more players hanging around in college, putting off the NFL for a while. That’s got to change the way teams think about drafting and developing players, right?
Potential Impact on NFL Talent Pool
If others take Mensah’s route, the NFL could end up with fewer elite prospects entering the draft each year. That might thin out the talent pool and force teams to rethink how they scout and invest in young players.
The Future of College Football
Mensah’s move might just be the start. As these private NIL deals keep growing, more players could stick around in college, which could mean better games and more exciting seasons.
Opportunities for Players
For players, making real money while still in school has some obvious perks:
- They get financial security without rushing straight into the pro grind.
- There’s time to sharpen their skills and maybe boost their draft position down the line.
- And honestly, who wouldn’t want another shot at a championship or some college football glory?
Conclusion
Darian Mensah’s choice to stay at Duke instead of heading for the NFL Draft really says a lot about how private NIL deals are shaking things up in college football.
It’s not just about the money, though that’s a huge part of it—players are seeing real benefits. The game itself feels more competitive, maybe even more unpredictable, which is kind of exciting if you ask me.
It’ll be interesting to watch how both college football and the NFL respond as things keep changing. How will this all play out in the next few years? Nobody really knows for sure.
If you want more details on Mensah’s decision and what it could mean, check out the full article on USA Today.
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