Duke Sues Quarterback To Prevent Entering Transfer Portal

Duke University quarterback Darian Mensah needs to enter the switch portal to make himself out there to a different school, however the college filed a lawsuit to forestall him from doing so, citing his NIL (identify, picture, and likeness) settlement with the establishment.

According to CNN, Duke filed a brief restraining order in Durham County Superior Court in N.C., to dam him from getting into the portal. The college, as an alternative, needs either side to undergo arbitration to attempt to iron out the unprecedented scenario.

“Mr. Mensah has an present contract with Duke, which the college intends to honor, and we anticipate he’ll do the identical,” a Duke Athletics spokesperson mentioned in a written assertion to CNN Sports. “The court-ordered non permanent restraining order (TRO) issued yesterday ensures he doesn’t violate his contract. The college is dedicated to supporting all our student-athletes, whereas anticipating every of them to abide by their contractual obligations.”

However, a choose denied the college’s request, however a date has been scheduled in February so either side can litigate the scenario. The ruling doesn’t forestall Mensah from getting into the portal, however he’s not allowed to enroll in one other college till the dispute is settled. Attorneys for the quarterback have requested an earlier date.

The lawsuit states that Mensah was approached by a rival college with an alleged offer to “buyout” the contract with Duke, prompting his determination to enter the portal.

Under the NCAA guidelines and laws, different colleges could not contact a student-athlete, instantly or not directly, till the student-athlete has entered the switch portal. At 2:07 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, sports activities media studies started to flow into that Mensah was contemplating getting into the portal and was being supplied a purported ‘buyout’ of his contract with Duke University.”

ESPN reported that Superior Court Judge Michael O’Foghludha, who made the ruling, will not sit on the case on account of his standing as a Duke booster. Darren Heitner, Mensah’s legal professional, mentioned, “The choose, a Duke basketball season-ticket holder, and thus a booster, additionally recused himself from future proceedings,” Heitner mentioned.

Another choose, Ed Wilson, will hear the case. 

Mensah had a spectacular yr, throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns.

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