First, the Miami Hurricanes brought in Cam Ward. Then they added Carson Beck. Darian Mensah is next.
The Hurricanes picked up a major transfer portal addition on Tuesday night, securing a pledge from Mensah, the former Duke quarterback. Mensah will almost certainly be Miami’s starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
Mensah has signed with UM, according to multiple reports.
Mensah’s commitment comes amid a legal battle with Duke. The university sued Mensah in order to keep him from transferring to another school. The judge in the case ruled that Mensah could enter the portal but granted a temporary restraining order, keeping Mensah from enrolling in a new school until a Jan. 9 hearing.
On Tuesday, Mensah’s agency, Young Money APAA Sports, announced the quarterback and Duke had reached a settlement agreement that would allow Mensah to transfer. Mensah arrived on UM’s campus for a visit on Tuesday.
Mensah played one season at Duke after transferring from Tulane, helping lead the Blue Devils to an unexpected ACC championship. He threw for 3,973 yards with 34 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2025. He was second in the nation in passing yards and tied for second in touchdown passes.
Mensah, a second-team All-ACC selection, had the second-best passing grade in the conference (85), trailing only FSU quarterback Thomas Castellanos. Mensah ranked 13th in the nation.
The Hurricanes looked at several transfer quarterbacks to replace Beck next season. They were reportedly in the mix for Cincinnati transfer Brendan Sorsby, who transferred to Texas Tech. Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt also considered UM, taking a visit to Miami before committing to LSU. Miami also offered Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson over $6 million to forego the NFL draft and play for the Hurricanes, Simpson told On3.
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Mensah made news when he transferred from Tulane to Duke last year, reportedly signing a two-year contract worth $8 million. In December, he said he planned to return to Duke.
The Hurricanes have two returning quarterbacks for next season: redshirt sophomore Judd Anderson and redshirt freshman Luke Nickel. They also have newly enrolled freshman Dereon Coleman.
One or more of those quarterbacks could transfer in the wake of Mensah’s arrival. UM players have up to five days after the national title game to enter their name in the portal.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/01/27/um-mensah-commits/
