While Nico Iamaleava’s recent decision to commit to UCLA, the NIL standard has been placed under a microscope after the quarterback unsuccessfully demanded a contract worth $4 million.
However, while many believe that Iamaleava’s decision has changed the NIL Market, it was actually another quarterback who significantly changed the market prior to the UCLA QB’s move.
Darian Mensah’s $8M Duke Deal Set an NIL Standard
Following his Freshman season, Tulane’s Darian Mensah, who threw for 2,723 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions and led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record, decided to enter the transfer portal.
“It’s been a journey to remember so far. I’ve been used to transferring. I transferred in high school, and I’ve gotten acclimated to being the new guy in the room, and building bonds around me.” Mensah explained, speaking on the 99.9 The Fan’s “Next Up.”
The real spotlight on Mensah’s decision, however, is the current state of his NIL Deal, which, according to reports, is worth a record-breaking $8 million for two years and $4 million annually. At the time, this made him the highest-paid Quarterback in college football history.
Despite his unofficial NIL valuation, the Duke quarterback is currently above both Arch Manning and Carson Beck when it comes to NIL Valuation, with his transfer from Tulane having significant ramifications on the NIL market.
Mensah Prepares For First Season At Duke
During his interview on 99.9 The Fan’s “Next Up,” the QB also discussed his first impressions of the school, as he prepares for his first season.
“I think a big thing here that sold me was that Coach Manny Diaz sits in on every quarterback meeting, and to get that defensive perspective is huge for me. It’s the people here that make it different from everywhere else. Everybody here is welcoming, and everybody at Duke has a certain intellect.” Mensah explained, discussing why he feels like he’s fit right in at the program.
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The quarterback also went through his thoughts on his Week 3 matchup with his old team, as Duke travels to New Orleans to take on Tulane.
“I try to just take it one day at a time,” Mensah said. “Spring game first, but that sticks in the back of my mind. My old offensive coordinator, my old head coach, and my old teammates, those are my guys. I try to just take it one day at a time and when that game comes, that game comes.”
Duke’s Spring Game is this Saturday. The Blue and White game will commence at 12 p.m. at Brooks Field.
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