Darian Mensah, Duke's starting quarterback and ACC champion, submitted his transfer paperwork Friday just before the NCAA deadline. The decision comes as a surprise since he had announced his return to Duke for his redshirt junior season in December. Miami is considered the early favorite to land the redshirt sophomore.

Mensah led Duke to its first outright ACC championship since 1962, throwing for 3,973 yards and 35 touchdowns. He was projected as a potential 2026 NFL draft pick before choosing to return. His departure leaves coach Manny Diaz scrambling for options, as backup Henry Belin IV already transferred to Missouri State.

Complicating the move is Mensah's two-year, $4 million name, image, and likeness deal with Duke. Sources indicate the contract grants the university exclusive NIL rights, which could block him from earning revenue-sharing money at his next school unless Duke terminates the agreement. This creates a unique financial hurdle in the transfer process.