By Mark Pszonak
Stories about transfers getting millions of dollars is becoming routine, with quarterbacks continually leading the pack. Today, it was reported that another transfer quarterback will be making NFL-level money over the next two seasons.
Tulane’s Darian Mensah had a breakout season with the Green Wave, passing for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing 65.9% of his attempts. Rumors began swirling in November that he might transfer, so when it became official he quickly became a hot commodity.
Winning the sweepstakes was Duke, but in order to do so they had to open up their wallet. According to John Talty and Chris Hummer of CBS Sports College Football, Mensah received a deal from the Blue Devils that is believed to pay him $8M over two years.
This is a leap into the deep end of the NIL pool for Duke’s football program. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if this story was about a basketball recruit, but for football to make a move like this is substantial and surprising. Is this a sign of things to come for the Blue Devils or a one-time situation? Only time will tell.
It should also be an eye-opener for any program hoping to find a top-level quarterback through the transfer portal. Unless you are willing to pay serious money, don’t waste your energy even trying.
Overall, this is just another example of the direction of the sport. In the past only the elite programs would be able to recruit top-level quarterbacks, but now if your program has a few alumni with deep pockets it completely evens the playing field. Duke is another example of this.
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