Darian Mensah’s Legal Fight with Duke Takes a Step Forward - and Miami Is Watching Closely
Darian Mensah just got a small win in his ongoing legal standoff with Duke - but it’s clear the process isn’t moving nearly as fast as the quarterback would like.
Mensah’s legal team had pushed for a preliminary injunction hearing to be held immediately, citing concerns that several programs wouldn’t be able to consider him as a transfer option after today. While the court didn’t grant that emergency timeline, it did agree to move the hearing up to January 29, a few days earlier than the originally scheduled February 2 date. It’s a modest shift, but in a case where every day matters - especially with transfer windows and roster decisions looming - it could be significant.
The core of the issue? Mensah is already in the transfer portal, but he’s currently barred from joining another school or taking the field anywhere but Duke through the end of the calendar year.
That restriction stems from a contract Duke says legally binds him to the university. Mensah and his legal team are challenging that interpretation, and the outcome of this case could have major implications - not just for his future, but for how NIL and player agreements are handled moving forward.
In the meantime, one school in particular is watching this closely: Miami.
Miami Waiting in the Wings
Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes have been linked to Mensah since he entered the portal before last Friday’s deadline. If the legal hurdles clear, the expectation is that Mensah would land in Coral Gables. But until the court rules otherwise, the 'Canes are stuck in a holding pattern.
That doesn’t mean they’re standing still. With uncertainty around Mensah’s eligibility, Miami is also keeping tabs on other potential quarterback options - including Parker Navarro, the former Ohio signal-caller.
Navarro is a super senior seeking a rare seventh year of eligibility. His status remains up in the air, but he’s another name to watch as Miami weighs its options.
Roster Moves Continue in Coral Gables
While the Mensah situation continues to unfold off the field, Cristobal and his staff are staying locked in on the task at hand: building a roster ready to compete in 2026.
There’s been some good news on that front. Defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. and linebacker Mohamed Toure have both announced they’re returning for another season, giving the defense some much-needed veteran leadership. And in a surprise twist, running back Girard Pringle Jr. pulled his name out of the transfer portal just a day after entering it - a boost to the Hurricanes’ backfield depth heading into spring workouts.
On the recruiting trail and in the portal, Miami is making moves too. One of the biggest additions so far is edge rusher Damon Wilson II, who had a breakout season at Missouri with nine sacks.
Wilson began his college career at Georgia and is currently entangled in his own legal dispute tied to his initial contract with the Bulldogs. But that situation isn’t expected to prevent him from suiting up for Miami in 2026.
What’s Next?
For now, all eyes are on January 29. That’s when Mensah will finally get his day in court - and potentially, his shot at a fresh start. If the judge rules in his favor, it could open the door for one of the more intriguing quarterback additions of the offseason.
Until then, Miami continues to prepare for every scenario. Whether it’s Mensah, Navarro, or someone else under center, the Hurricanes are building a roster that expects to compete - and they’re doing it with the kind of urgency that reflects just how competitive the modern college football landscape has become.