Former Tulane University quarterback Darian Mensah has reached a settlement with Duke University, allowing him to transfer to another university to continue his athletic career.
Duke filed the lawsuit on Jan. 20, attempting to block Mensah from transferring, arguing that they have the exclusive rights to his name, image and likeness through a multiyear name, image and likeness agreement.
Mensah received an $8 million NIL deal to leave the Green Wave and join Duke’s football program in 2025. As part of the agreement, Mensah was required to remain with the team for two years.
Mensah broke this agreement, entering the transfer portal after just one season with the program.
A Durham County Superior Court judge initially granted Duke’s request for a temporary restraining order, preventing Mensah from taking any action beyond entering the transfer portal. Under the order, Mensah could not enroll at another university.
However, the two parties settled just one day later, allowing Mensah to transfer and enroll elsewhere.
“Enforcing [NIL] agreements is a necessary element of ensuring predictability and structure for athletic programs,” Duke said in a statement. “We are committed to fulfilling all promises and obligations Duke makes to our student-athletes … and we expect the same in return.”
Mensah committed to transfer to the University of Miami, which narrowly lost to Indiana University in the 2025-26 College Football Playoff National Championship.