The NCAA transfer portal window has officially closed, and with it, a whirlwind two-week stretch that reshaped rosters across college football. From January 2 to January 16, players had the opportunity to enter the portal and explore new opportunities, and while the window is now shut, the movement isn’t entirely over. Athletes who entered the portal before the deadline can still commit to new programs and take official visits through February 2.
One of the most notable late entries came out of Durham, where Duke quarterback Darian Mensah made a surprising move. Just weeks after announcing his return to the Blue Devils on December 19, Mensah reversed course and entered the portal on the final day. It was a twist that caught many off guard, especially considering his earlier commitment to stay.
Mensah hasn’t officially revealed where he’s headed next, but all signs point south. Miami has been actively searching for a quarterback, and Mensah’s name has quickly risen to the top of the rumor mill.
The Hurricanes have made it clear they’re willing to spend to land the right signal-caller. Reports surfaced that Miami had offered Alabama’s Ty Simpson a staggering $6.5 million in NIL incentives before Simpson opted to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft instead.
That leaves the door wide open for Mensah to slide into the Hurricanes’ plans. His dual-threat ability and experience under center would be a major get for Miami, especially with their quarterback room in flux.
For Duke, it’s a significant loss - not just in terms of talent, but also in leadership. Mensah had been expected to play a central role in the Blue Devils’ offense next season, and now they’ll be forced to reassess their quarterback depth chart heading into spring ball.
In total, at least 16 Duke players entered the portal during this window, signaling a period of transition for the program. Whether it's a reflection of coaching changes, shifting dynamics within the team, or simply players seeking better opportunities, the Blue Devils will have some rebuilding to do in the months ahead.
As the dust settles on this latest transfer cycle, one thing is clear: the portal continues to be a game-changer. It's not just about who leaves - it's about who lands where, and how those moves reshape the college football landscape heading into the fall.