Fueled by strategic transfer portal additions, including star quarterback Darian Mensah, the Miami Hurricanes aim to end a decades-long drought as analysts project a return to national dominance.
MIAMI, Fla. – The last time the University of Miami’s football program won a National Championship was on Jan. 3, 2002 – before the first iPhone was invented, How You Remind Me by Nickelback was the No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100, and LeBron James wasn’t drafted yet. Clearly, so much time has passed, and the Hurricanes’ glory days have become a distant memory.
However, college football in Coral Gables may finally be returning to its peak. Following a historic 13-3 season, including a trip to the National Championship game, some might say – except Mario Cristobal – that “The U” is back.
The Hurricanes have title aspirations, especially after revamping the roster with several transfer portal acquisitions, including All-Atlantic Coast Conference quarterback Darian Mensah. Alongside him came Duke teammate and All-ACC wide receiver Cooper Barkate.
Despite facing several departures to the portal or the 2026 NFL Draft, the program successfully filled every void needed to be addressed. The offensive line has the most questions, but given the personnel and coaching staff, it shouldn’t be a major concern.
In ESPN Adam Rittenberg’s College Football Future Power Rankings, the Hurricanes landed at No. 6 on the list. He highlighted Mensah, the offensive and defensive line, roster management, star power, and coaching staff – all of which passed with flying colors. The rankings wound up on ACC PM, where college football analyst Eric MacLain disagreed with where the Hurricanes sit.
“Miami’s too low,” he said. “These guys are returning as a team that played in the National Championship game and they reloaded. I know the talent they lost, but they added the best quarterback that’s returning to college football in Darian Mensah. He’s going to be with these weapons and arguably the best player in college football, Malachi Toney, catching the passes for him. I think Miami is a team that can win the National Championship.”
In the rankings, the Hurricanes finished behind the following:
- No. 1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes
- No. 3 Texas Longhorns
- No. 4 Oregon Ducks
- No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs
The reigning National Champion Indiana Hoosiers were No. 7
It’s been some time since the Hurricanes were mentioned as contenders in college football. However, ahead of fall camp, there’s legitimate reason for it. Mensah and Barkate were one of the most successful quarterback-wide receiver duos in the ACC. Retaining key factors, such as running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr., among several other draft-eligible players – having that College Football Playoff will be critical in the big moments.
The Hurricanes should be the favorites to win the National Championship, especially with the schedule ahead. Anything less will likely be seen as a failure. From the very first snap, the pressure is on.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
