In a legal fight that might shake up college football, Duke University has taken quarterback Darian Mensah to court. They’re trying to enforce a two-year, $8 million contract.
Mensah entered the transfer portal at the last minute and is now under a temporary restraining order that stops him from enrolling at other schools. This case, tangled up in the details of Mensah’s contract and the new world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, could ripple out to affect both athletes and colleges everywhere.
The Legal Battle Between Duke and Darian Mensah
The trouble started when Mensah jumped into the transfer portal on January 16, 2026, just hours before it closed. Even though he was under a big NIL contract with Duke, he wanted to see what else was out there.
Duke fired back by suing him on January 20, 2026. The next day, they got a temporary restraining order (TRO) to keep him from moving on.
Details of the Contract
Mensah signed his deal with Duke after a standout season at Tulane in 2023. It promised him $4 million a year through December 2026.
The contract said he couldn’t enroll or play football at another school during that time. He also agreed not to license his NIL rights to any other institution.
The Temporary Restraining Order
The TRO, handed down by Durham County Superior Court Judge Michael O’Foghludha, blocks Mensah from enrolling, playing, or licensing his NIL at another school. Oddly enough, it doesn’t stop him from entering the transfer portal.
Duke put Mensah’s name into the portal at midnight on January 21, 2026. That timing feels almost theatrical, doesn’t it?
Implications of the Lawsuit
This isn’t the only case like this popping up lately. Similar legal fights are happening across the country, all thanks to the headaches NIL contracts can create.
Washington sued quarterback Demond Williams Jr. in late 2025 over a similar contract mess. Wisconsin and Miami are battling over Xavier Lucas, and Georgia is suing former player Damon Wilson II too.
Potential Outcomes
Experts say a few things could happen here:
- Return to Duke: Mensah might just go back and play for Duke.
- Transfer to Another School: If the court sides with Mensah, he could transfer elsewhere.
- Sit Out a Year: He could sit out a season if things drag on.
- Negotiated Settlement: Maybe both sides cut a deal and let him move on.
The Role of NIL Agreements
NIL deals have changed college sports in ways nobody saw coming. Sure, athletes get paid, but these contracts are loaded with strict rules and fine print.
Mensah’s situation points to a bigger problem: the need for clearer rules and maybe a little common sense when it comes to these agreements.
Mensah’s Performance and Potential
Mensah entered the portal after a breakout season at Duke. In 2025, he threw for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just six interceptions.
With numbers like that, lots of schools wanted him. But the TRO hearing is set for February 2, 2026, and by then, most enrollment deadlines will have come and gone. Timing is everything, right?
What Lies Ahead
The preliminary injunction hearing on February 2, 2026, will be a turning point. Duke has to show “irreparable harm” if Mensah walks away.
If they do, the court could issue an injunction and the case moves to arbitration. If Mensah wins, the TRO gets lifted and he could enroll somewhere else. It’s a waiting game now.
The Broader Impact
This case has a lot of people paying attention—universities, athletes, and legal folks are all watching closely. The result might shape how NIL contracts get enforced down the line.
It really puts a spotlight on how important it is for athletes to actually read and understand what they’re signing. One wrong move could have some pretty serious legal or career fallout, and that’s not something anyone wants to stumble into.
Curious to dig deeper? You can check out the full article on USA TODAY.
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