With this kid's talent and performance last season, Duke just won the ACC outright in 2025 for the first time since 1962 (they were co-champions in 1989).
As a result, they have sold a ton of season tickets for 2026, and taken in millions in donations from their suddenly large football fan base. He would have been a high NFL draft pick this summer (so I don't think there is any chance of him sabotaging his own performance), and he declared his loyalty to Duke on Dec. 19, and said he would not enter the draft and would return to Duke for 2026. But apparently, the NIL "agents" got to him with a better offer, and suddenly, his loyalty disappeared.
Now, by going back on his word (and contract), it screws Duke and their fans, and gives the coach little chance to find another quarterback in the portal. Their promising outlook for 2026 just headed down the drain.
And, yes, he is violating the terms of the NIL contract he signed, for a measly $4 million per year.
We all agree this NIL system has corrupted college sports, more for the mid-majors than the big boys, but IMO this case seems to be as good as any to fight back, even if it is one of the big boys getting screwed.
And, I don't know everything that is in his contract (
here is an article that shows some of the stipulations) but there is a ton of legal precedent to holding someone to a legal contract or determining damages if they violate it.
