Duke head coach Manny Diaz believes college football needs a transfer system that compensates programs for developing players who subsequently move to other schools. During a Wednesday appearance on On3, Diaz pointed to European soccer as a potential model for addressing the challenges created by the transfer portal.
“If you sign a bunch of great recruits and you develop them and they go somewhere else, I'll go back to European soccer,” said Diaz. “You should receive a transfer fee.”
NEW: Duke head coach Manny Diaz tells @AndyAriOn3 that schools should receive a "transfer fee" when players portal:
"If you sign a bunch of great recruits and you develop them and they go somewhere else, I'll go back to European soccer. You should receive a transfer fee." pic.twitter.com/NhDl2m7Rut
— On3 (@On3) October 15, 2026
Under the European soccer system, clubs receive compensation when another team acquires a player who remains under contract. Diaz believes a similar approach could benefit college football programs that invest in recruiting and developing athletes before losing them to rival schools.
The Blue Devils have experienced those challenges firsthand, particularly following quarterback Darian Mensah's departure in January. Mensah helped Duke win the 2025 ACC Championship before transferring to Miami, with wide receiver Cooper Barkate also following him to the Hurricanes.
Mensah had previously indicated that he intended to return to the Blue Devils for another season before changing his decision on the final day of the transfer portal window. Duke subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking to enforce his name, image and likeness (NIL) contract with the quarterback. The dispute ended in a settlement that allowed Mensah to transfer.
Barkate, who recorded 72 receptions for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025, earned second-team All-ACC recognition before joining Miami. Mensah threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns last season, leading the conference in both categories.
Article Continues BelowThe Blue Devils replaced him with former San Jose State quarterback Walker Eget, who has accumulated 980 passing yards, seven touchdowns and one interception through five games.
The program also experienced a substantial roster overhaul, bringing in 19 transfers while losing 17 players. Safety Terry Moore joined Ohio State, while 15 other Duke players entered the portal.
The Blue Devils began the season with four straight wins before suffering a 28-25 defeat against Georgia Tech, leaving them with a 4-1 record. Duke will host North Carolina on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.