Darian Mensah is on the move again - and this time, he’s one of the hottest names in college football’s transfer portal.
After a breakout 2025 campaign with Duke, Mensah has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, adding his name to an already loaded quarterback carousel this offseason. The 21-year-old signal-caller began his career at Tulane, where he spent two seasons before transferring to Durham last year. Now, after just one season in the ACC, he’s back on the market - and the Miami Hurricanes are reportedly front and center in his recruitment.
Let’s talk about why Mensah is such a big deal.
At Tulane, Mensah showed flashes of what was to come. In his first year as the Green Wave’s starter, he threw for 2,723 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He added a modest 132 yards and a touchdown on the ground, but it was clear his game was built around a strong arm and smart decision-making.
Then came 2025. At Duke, Mensah took his game to another level - and fast.
He completed nearly 67 percent of his passes for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns, and six picks. Those are big-time numbers in any conference, and they put him firmly in the national spotlight.
His poise in the pocket, ability to stretch the field, and knack for avoiding costly mistakes made him one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country.
That’s exactly why Miami is reportedly all-in on landing him.
With Carson Beck expected to declare for the NFL Draft, the Hurricanes could be in the market for a new leader under center - and Mensah checks a lot of boxes. He’s experienced, productive, and proven in multiple systems. Plugging a guy like that into an offense with talent already on the roster could give Miami a head start on 2026 before the confetti even falls on this year’s national championship game.
Speaking of which, Miami has its hands full on Monday. They’re set to face top-ranked Indiana, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, in the national title matchup. But win or lose, the Hurricanes are already looking ahead - and if they can land Mensah, it would be a massive offseason win before the offseason even officially begins.
Mensah is just one of several high-profile quarterbacks making moves this winter. The portal is buzzing.
LSU made a splash last week when Lane Kiffin and the Tigers secured a commitment from former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt. Meanwhile, Dylan Raiola - the former Nebraska standout - announced he’s headed to Oregon. That move got a little more complicated, though, when Ducks starter Dante Moore revealed he’s staying for another year instead of entering the NFL Draft.
Then there’s Brendan Sorsby, who might be the biggest name to change jerseys this cycle. The former Cincinnati star is now a Texas Tech Red Raider - and reportedly landed an NIL deal in the neighborhood of $5 million. That’s the kind of move that signals just how much the college football landscape has shifted in the NIL era.
And don’t overlook Drew Mestemaker. The former North Texas quarterback is now with Oklahoma State after winning the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy and earning American Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors. He’s another name to watch as the quarterback dominoes continue to fall.
But right now, all eyes are on Darian Mensah.
He’s proven, he’s poised, and he’s available. And if Miami can close the deal, they might not just be reloading - they could be leveling up.