The Miami Hurricanes land explosive ACC receiver Cooper Barkate, adding another top-tier weapon to bolster their potent passing attack alongside new quarterback Darian Mensah.
The Miami Hurricanes' offense has a chance to be among the best in the nation next season. It was reported on Tuesday that Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah signed with the program, who is an excellent successor to Carson Beck. However, the 21-year-old didn't come alone.
On the same day, wide receiver Cooper Barkate officially signs with the Hurricanes. He's coming off an excellent season with the Blue Devils, same as Mensah, catching 72 passes for 1,106 yards (second in the ACC, behind Hurricanes star wide receiver Malachi Toney), 15.4 yards per carry, and scoring seven touchdowns in 14 games.
The program revamped the wide receiver depth, despite a few departures, whether it's through the transfer portal or the upcoming NFL draft. However, they gained fresh talent in Cam Vaughn and Vandrevius Jacobs.
Also, it was reported on Monday that Joshua Moore is set to return and could be aligned for a breakout season. He caught 17 passes for 210 yards, 12.4 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns, both against the South Florida Bulls.
Barkate played a tremendous role in the Blue Devils' successful season. Despite not making the College Football Playoffs, the program claimed its eighth ACC football championship, the first since 1989. They defeated the Virginia Cavaliers in overtime, with a final score of 27-20. Barkate caught five passes for 95 yards, no touchdowns.
The Hurricanes' offense revolved around the run game, especially in the College Football Playoffs en route to the National Championship, with Mark Fletcher Jr. leading the charge. However, the addition of Barkate, alongside other great, talented wide receivers, could expand the possibilities, especially with Mensah at the helm.
It's worth mentioning that the Blue Devils didn't present a lawsuit to the Second-Team All-ACC wide receiver after entering the transfer portal on Jan. 21st.
Barkate was Mensah's favorite target, but he will have other weapons at his disposal, such as Toney, Moore, Vaughn, Jacobs, Fletcher Jr., CharMar Brown, Girard Pringle Jr., Jordan Lyle, and Daylyn Upshaw.
The Hurricanes' offense could be more explosive than in the 2024 season, when quarterback Cam Ward led them to having the highest points per game average in the nation with 43.9.
Barkate's ability to catch Mensah's deep passes will open the field more, leaving opposing defenses guessing.
Given the 2026-27 schedule, the Hurricanes could dominate the ACC, claim their first-ever ACC championship title, and carve another run towards the National Championship, but finish the job this time.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Hurricanes News: