One of the top quarterbacks in college football isn’t going anywhere.
According to multiple reports, Duke quarterback Darian Mensah has decided to return to Durham for the 2026 season. Mensah briefly entertained the prospect of entering the NFL Draft, but has decided on another season with the Blue Devils. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was first to report the news on Friday.
Mensah was listed as the No. 5 quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
After starring at Tulane, Mensah transferred to Duke last offseason and immediately picked up right where he left off. He upped his completion percentage (65.9% to 67.9%) and led the ACC in passing with 3,646 yards.
Mensah was also 1 of just 5 FBS quarterbacks with 30 passing touchdowns entering the postseason. Two of the other 4 were Heisman Trophy finalists. He also threw just 5 interceptions in 12 games.
Mensah threw for 196 yards and 2 touchdowns against Virginia on Dec. 7 to help Duke capture its first outright ACC championship since 1962.
Duke has a chance to swing the ACC title race next season, too. The Blue Devils host Clemson and North Carolina. They have road games at Miami and Georgia Tech. Mensah will also get 1 more shot at beating his former team, with Tulane set to visit Wallace Wade Stadium on Sept. 5.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
