With Darian Mensah Miami-bound, Duke’s QB search shifts to Parker Navarro - and it makes a lot of sense
Darian Mensah is on his way out, and barring a dramatic reversal, he’s headed south to take the reins at Miami. That leaves Duke in a familiar spot - looking for its next quarterback. Head coach Manny Diaz now finds himself in the market for a new signal-caller, and there’s one name that should be circled in bold: Parker Navarro.
Navarro, who just wrapped up a four-year stint at Ohio after starting his career at UCF, brings a blend of experience, production, and mobility that makes him a natural fit for what Duke needs right now. And with the Blue Devils fresh off an ACC Championship, the urgency to find a quarterback who can keep the offense humming is real.
Why Parker Navarro fits the bill
Let’s start with the numbers. In 2025, Navarro threw for 2,375 yards and 14 touchdowns.
On the ground, he added 886 rushing yards and nine more scores. That dual-threat ability isn’t just a bonus - it’s a core part of what makes him such a compelling option.
Pair him with Duke’s explosive running back Nate Sheppard, and you’ve got a backfield that can stress defenses in multiple ways.
Navarro’s not just a stat-padder, either. He helped guide the Bobcats to a 9-4 record, capped off with a hard-fought bowl win over UNLV in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl. That kind of leadership and poise under pressure is exactly what Duke needs as it looks to stay competitive in a tough ACC landscape.
The experience factor
One of the biggest assets Navarro brings to the table is experience. He’s been through the battles - from limited action in 2022 to becoming the guy in 2024 and 2025. His development has been steady, and his time at Ohio has shaped him into a quarterback who understands how to manage a game, lead a huddle, and bounce back from mistakes.
Let’s look at the progression:
- 2022: Limited reps - 5-of-12 passing for 43 yards.
- 2023: A glimpse of potential - 18-of-26 for 185 yards, 3 TDs, and 178 rushing yards.
- 2024: Breakout season - 2,423 passing yards, 13 TDs, 11 INTs, plus 1,054 rushing yards and 18 rushing scores.
- 2025: More of the same - 2,375 passing yards, 14 TDs, 11 INTs, 886 rushing yards, 9 rushing TDs.
That’s a quarterback who’s grown into his role and shown he can be a true offensive engine.
The one red flag - and why it’s manageable
Now, let’s not sugarcoat it - Navarro’s interception rate is a concern. He’s averaged roughly one pick per game over the past two seasons, and that’s something that can’t be ignored, especially when you’re stepping up from the MAC to the ACC.
Power Five secondaries are faster, smarter, and more opportunistic. Mistakes that might slide at the Group of Five level can cost you games in a Power Conference.
But here’s the flip side: Diaz and his staff have proven they can coach up quarterbacks. If Navarro gets the right support system - in terms of scheme, protection, and play-calling - there’s reason to believe he can cut down on the turnovers without losing the aggressiveness that makes him dangerous.
A natural successor to Mensah
Navarro isn’t just a panic-button option. He’s a legitimate successor to Mensah, bringing a similar profile in terms of mobility, arm talent, and leadership.
In fact, when Diaz first pulled Mensah out of the portal, he was looking at a quarterback with a comparable recruiting grade. Navarro is currently rated as a three-star prospect in the transfer portal and ranks among the top 35 quarterbacks available.
That’s not just serviceable - that’s competitive. And in the current landscape of college football, where transfer QBs can shape a season, landing Navarro would be a strong move for Duke.
What’s next for Duke?
With Mensah likely headed to Coral Gables, the Blue Devils need to act quickly. The portal is still open, but top-tier quarterbacks don’t stay available for long.
Navarro checks a lot of boxes: experience, production, mobility, and leadership. And most importantly, he’s ready to step in and compete right away.
If Duke wants to stay in the ACC title conversation, this is the kind of move that keeps the momentum going. Parker Navarro isn’t just a fallback plan - he might be the best option on the board.