Locked On College Football Duke SUES QB Darian Mensah Over Transfer | The Big 3 in 30 College
Jan 21, 2026
Join Georgia Tech hosts Caleb Johnson and Jarvis as they dissect the intriguing case of Darian Mensah being sued by Duke over his transfer, examining the growing influence of NIL deals. They also delve into Georgia Tech's new quarterback, Alberto Mendoza, discussing his skillset and potential impact on the team. Meanwhile, Zach Anderson-Yoxie celebrates UCLA's stunning upset over No. 4 Purdue, highlighting Donovan Dent's standout performance that could shift their season trajectory.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
NIL Acting Like Employment Retention
- NIL deals are functioning like employment retention tools that tie players to schools beyond traditional amateurism.
- This creates legal friction where contracts can limit a player's ability to monetize after transferring.
Transfer Won't Be Stopped—Payment Is The Fight
- Duke's lawsuit won't stop Mensah from transferring as a student but could block him from signing new NIL deals or playing without settlement.
- Expect resolution via arbitration or financial settlement rather than a clear legal precedent immediately.
Prepare For Employment Legal Risks
- Colleges should avoid labeling athletes as employees to sidestep broad cost and benefit obligations.
- But institutions must prepare for litigation and unionization efforts that could force employment recognition.