With elite transfer quarterback Darian Mensah and two 1,000-yard targets leading a loaded depth chart, the Miami Hurricanes possess the explosive firepower to end their 24-year title drought.
MIAMI, Fla. – Last season, four Atlantic Coast Conference players recorded over 1,000 receiving yards; two (Malachi Toney and Duke transfer Cooper Barkate) are now on the Miami Hurricanes' roster. They are the only program that fits into this category. Despite having a steady run game while retaining the entire running backs room, the Hurricanes could look to the pass game a bit more.
Among the transfers to arrive at Coral Gables was All-ACC quarterback Darian Mensah. He has a reputation for elite accuracy and high IQ. After a couple of stops at Tulane and Duke, the 21-year-old will have an opportunity to display it on a national scale.
Mensah has the advantage of being surrounded by high-quality weapons, including Toney and Barkate. According to On3, they’re among the top 10 wide receivers ahead of the upcoming season.
Given the established chemistry between Barkate and Mensah with the Blue Devils last season, the familiarity should continue to translate. Together, they delivered the program its first ACC football title since 1989.
Despite the success, both were seeking bigger challenges.
Barkate is one of the more overlooked wide receivers in college football. He’s a pristine route runner, capable of making contested catches, and has strong body control. The 23-year-old showed glimpses throughout spring practices and the exhibition game at Cobb Stadium in front of local fans.
Meanwhile, Toney already has a proven track record. As a reclassified 17-year-old freshman, he led the nation with 109 catches for 1,211 yards, scoring 13 total touchdowns–receiving, rushing, and passing. Ahead of fall camp and the season, Toney is one of the Hurricanes’ established leaders.
A significant jump in just one year.
Barkate and Toney will likely split snaps as the primary targets. Alongside them in the wide receivers room are Vandrevius Jacobs, Cam Vaughn, Daylyn Upshaw, and Joshua Moore.
The Hurricanes’ offense should compete among the nation’s best.
Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has experience in leading the nation in scoring average – 2024 with quarterback Cam Ward and wide receiver Xavier Restrepo: 43.9 points a game. He has a legitimate opportunity to reach those heights again.
Coming off the National Championship game, the Hurricanes took the necessary precautions to make a potential return. After filling several voids, plus improving the depth chart, the program could end a 24-year title drought.
Barkate and Toney made Phil Steele’s preseason All-ACC list – the All-American list for just Toney. Both wide receivers are looking to have productive seasons to impact winning.
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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
