The NIL changed the game in college sports. That was on display this week as quarterback Darian Mensah became the highest-paid college football player after transferring to Duke University earlier this week.
The redshirt freshman from Tulane is believed to be paid $8 million over two years to play for the Blue Devils. According to CBS SportsAnd his annual average of $4 million gives him the unofficial distinction of being the highest-paid player in college football.
This deal shows how NIL funding is changing the dynamics of college sports, especially football.
Most recently, the University of Michigan was able to upset LSU's Bryce Underwood thanks to a NIL offer of $10 million over four years at Michigan.
Renowned sports law attorney Darren Hytner assisted in the Mensah deal. He calls it “groundbreaking.” X in Monday's post.
Noah Reisenfeld and Adi von Gontard of Young Money APAA Sports represented Mensah in this deal.
Mensah is coming off an impressive season at Tulane, rising from scout team quarterback in his first year to starter on a team that advanced to the American Athletic Conference Championship Game in 2024.
Mensah threw for 2,273 yards and 22 touchdowns with just six interceptions in his first and only season as Tulane's starting QB.
He led the American Athletic Conference in completion percentage and passer efficiency rating during the 2024 season.
“He's a future NFL quarterback.” One SEC scout told The Athletic. earlier this month after news of his transfer first broke.
Duke is coming off a 9-3 season, one of the best years in program history, under the guidance of first-year head coach Manny Diaz.
Mensah's addition comes after quarterback Malik Murphy, who himself had a strong season with the Blue Devils, came to the program.
Murphy will transfer to Oregon State in 2024 after throwing 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
