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Darian Mensah is college football's highest-paid player in 2026

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 7:14 PM

Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Darian Mensah is college football's highest-paid player in 2026

Summary

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah, who transferred from Duke, is the highest-paid player in college football for 2026 with an NIL valuation of $6.5 million, according to On3 Sports. Last season, he led the ACC with 3,973 passing yards and 34 touchdowns, helping Duke achieve a 9-5 record. Mensah earned Second Team All-ACC honors in 2025 and joins a legacy of talented Hurricanes quarterbacks. Miami starts the 2026 season ranked No. 7 in the AP Top 25 and looks to build on their strong previous season after losing in the CFP national championship game to Indiana.

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By the Numbers

•Mensah's NIL valuation is $6.5 million, highest in college football.
•He transferred from Duke, leading the ACC in passing yards last season.
•Miami is ranked No. 7 in the AP Top 25 this season.
•Duke has named Walker Eget as their starting quarterback for the upcoming game against Tulane.

Latest Updates

7:14 PMYahoo Sports — Who is college football’s highest-paid player in 2026?

What they're saying

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After transferring from Duke earlier this year, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah is the highest-paid player in college football in 2026 with an NIL valuation of $6.5 million, according to On3 Sports.
— Yahoo Sports

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