"Duke doesn't have money like that": Fans question $8M reports around Tulane QB Darian Mensah

Fans are not buying reports that the Duke Blue Devils acquired quarterback Darian Mensah for over $8 million. He finished his freshman year with the Tulane Green Wave as the team's passing leader. On Dec. 11, he transferred to the Blue Devils to continue his college career.

On Monday, CBS Sports' John Talty and Chris Hummer reported that the Blue Devils (9-3, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) agreed to pay him over $8 million for two years.

The reported deal had fans skeptical on X/Twitter. One fan doubted if the program has $8 million to spend on a new quarterback.

"Duke doesn't have money like that," a fan wrote.

"The average salary of a backup NFL quarterback ranges between $550,000 and $1.2 million per year. Paying a college athlete more than professional NFL players is absolutely absurd," a fan commented.

"Duke has finished in the Top 25 once in 50 plus years.......but they are wanting us to believe that they are paying a QB 4 million a year," another fan wrote.

"Lmao nobody getting 4m a year to play college ball come on now," a fan replied.

"There is no shot Duke has $8 million to throw at 1 player," a fifth fan wrote.

"0% chance this is true," a fan wrote.

Mensah finished this past season completing 189 passes for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns. His last game for Tulane (9-5, 7-1 American Athletic Conference) was a 35-14 loss to the No. 22 Army Black Knights (11-2, 8-0 AAC) in the American Athletic Championship on Dec. 6. He ended the contest completing 17 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns.

Duke Blue Devils acquisitions in the transfer portal

The Blue Devils acquired several players after the transfer portal opened on Dec. 9. One of the key recruits they signed was former Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Andrel Anthony. The team's new offensive threat missed this season after suffering an ACL injury. In 2023, Anthony had 27 receptions for 429 yards and one touchdown.

The program was also able to sign players to improve its defense. They recruited defensive backs Jaiden Francois and Caleb Weaver and defensive lineman Josiah Green. The Blue Devils' decision to sign Weaver is notable as he finished this season with 97 tackles, 69 solo tackles, one forced fumble and four interceptions.