Darian Mensah’s debut and Malachi Toney’s historic receiving night signal a new era in Coral Gables, positioning the explosive duo as legitimate threats for college football’s highest honor.
MIAMI, Fla. – In college football, a program has at least one Heisman Trophy candidate, but the No. 7 Miami Hurricanes (1-0) showed they have two in Friday’s 45-6 win over Stanford (1-1).
Quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney certainly had cases for consideration ahead of the season, but the early production might make them early frontrunners. The Hurricanes have two Heisman Trophy winners, Vinny Testaverde (1986) and Gino Torretta (1992), but another could be written in the history books in the coming months.
In Mensah’s debut with “The U,” he completed 27 of 30 passes (90 percent) and threw for 400 yards and five touchdowns (both new career highs in a single game). He had no trouble adjusting to the new offense in a live-game setting. Mensah finished with eight plays with a gain of at least 15 yards, three of which led to the end zone:
- Toney 23-yard touchdown
- Cooper Barkate 34-yard touchdown
- Toney 47-yard touchdown
There was always the expectation of the Hurricanes’ offense being more explosive ahead of this season, but Mensah might have shown that there’s still more left to be seen. He was accurate, showed great field vision, and is only getting started.
Meanwhile, Toney entered the season already one of college football’s most prolific playmakers. He made history as a reclassified 17-year-old freshman, but it didn’t take him long to pick things up again. Toney caught 12 passes for 234 yards and scored three touchdowns. He’s the new program record-holder for the most receiving yards in a single game.
All-American Eddie Brown previously had it with 220 yards against the Boston College Eagles on Nov. 23, 1984.
Last season, Ohio State’s quarterback Julian Sayin and star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith finished in the top 10 of Heisman Trophy voting, with former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza finishing as the recipient.
The Hurricanes are likely on pace to carve out similar results. Although it will hurt both of their case as voters will have to split between each candidate. Regardless, if the Hurricanes have two Heisman Trophy candidates, then a successful season is translated.
Mensah has elite accuracy and Toney is constantly putting secondaries in trouble.
The Hurricanes’ offense could have the best one-two punch in college football if this high level of production remains consistent. Mensah and Toney’s connection appeared effortless, despite not having played a game together until Friday. The bond will only get stronger with each pass and catch.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
