Duke sues QB Darian Mensah over NIL contract, blocking his transfer; judge recused due to bias.

Duke University has sued quarterback Darian Mensah to block his transfer, citing a multiyear NIL contract granting the school exclusive rights to his name, image, and likeness through December 2026. The university sought a temporary restraining order, but a North Carolina judge denied the request and later recused himself due to being a Duke basketball fan. Mensah, who led Duke to its first outright ACC title since 1962 with 3,973 passing yards and 34 touchdowns in 2025, is reportedly considering a move to Miami, where recent transfer quarterbacks have succeeded. A future hearing will be held before a different judge.