The Hurricanes’ quarterback for 2026 may have just entered the transfer portal.

Duke star Darian Mensah is planning to enter the transfer portal shortly before the deadline to submit a transfer request, he wrote on social media on Friday afternoon. Miami is an “early favorite” for the quarterback, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel and other reports.

“I’m forever grateful for Duke and the coaching staff,” Mensah wrote. “Thank you Duke family for everything. This wasn’t an easy decision, but after talking with my family, I believe it’s in my best interest to enter the transfer portal.

Mensah has played one season at Duke, helping lead the Blue Devils to an unexpected ACC championship. He threw for 3,973 yards with 34 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2025. He was second in the nation in passing yards and tied for second in touchdown passes.

Mensah, a second-team All-ACC selection, had the second-best passing grade in the conference (85), trailing only FSU quarterback Thomas Castellanos. Mensah ranked 13th in the nation.

The Hurricanes have been in the market for a quarterback to replace Carson Beck next season. They were reportedly in the mix for Cincinnati transfer Brendan Sorsby, who transferred to Texas Tech. Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt also considered UM, taking a visit to Miami before committing to LSU.

There’s three prominent schools with quarterback potential need — Miami, Tennessee and Ole Miss. For Mensah, Miami looms as the early favorite. https://t.co/1pfWGX15EY

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 16, 2026

Miami also offered Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson over $6 million to forego the NFL draft and play for the Hurricanes, Simpson told On3. 

But the Hurricanes will not be the only team pursuing Mensah. Ole Miss is also searching for a transfer quarterback and could pursue Mensah, according to ESPN.

Mensah made waves when he transferred from Tulane to Duke last year, reportedly signing a two-year contract worth $8 million. In December, he said he planned to return to Duke. 

Miami has had success with transfer quarterbacks the past two seasons. Cam Ward transferred to UM from Washington State and had a record-setting season for the Hurricanes. After that successful season, Ward went first in the NFL draft.

This year, Beck transferred from Georgia and has taken Miami to its first national title game since 2003.