Fueling national title hopes, Mario Cristobal’s rebuilt roster lands a top ranking behind star transfer Darian Mensah and a deep well of talent ready to dominate the ACC.
Miami, Fla. – Ahead of fall camp, the Miami Hurricanes have high preseason National Championship aspirations. It’s been well over two decades since it's been realistic, but college football has successfully turned around in Coral Gables. Coach Mario Cristobal proved to be a worthy leader–now looking to take the program a step further.
Despite never claiming an Atlantic Coast Conference football title since officially joining in 2004, the Hurricanes are the early favorites to win it this upcoming season. Among the several transfers are wide receiver Cooper Barkate and quarterback Darian Mensah, who have experience in getting the job done at Duke University.
Following spring practices and a live exhibition game, the Hurricanes have gathered national media attention, but in a more positive manner this time around. According to ESPN’s future power rankings, the Coral Gables program landed at No. 6.
When discussing the quarterback situation, it’s clear that Mensah will be starting. He’s coming off a career season with the Blue Devils: completed 334 of 500 passes, 66.8 completion percentage, throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns (both ACC-leading categories), including six interceptions, starting in all 14 games.
The article mentioned that the Hurricanes could look at the portal for another quarterback if Mensah winds up being one-and-done, similarly to Cam Ward and Carson Beck. However, coach Mario Cristobal and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson will have a handful of in-house options that could take over, such as Luke Nickel, Judd Anderson, Dereon Coleman, and Israel Abrams–barring any departures.
When evaluating the offensive and defensive lines, there are obvious voids needing to be filled.
The Hurricanes lost seven linemen, including All-American right tackle Francis Mauigoa, and edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr, all of whom were first-round selections.
Among the offensive line, coach Alex Mirabal is developing primarily in-house talent to step up. Matthew McCoy, Ryan Rodriguez, and Samson Okunlola provide veteran experience. Along with them, five-star freshman Jackson Cantwell is looking to deliver an immediate impact.
On the other side at the line of scrimmage, edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot will be taking on an expanded role. Alongside him, Hayden Lowe will be looking to make his collegiate debut after not playing a snap last season, recovering from offseason surgery.
Plus, the Hurricanes added Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II to the roster. He’s coming off an All-Southeastern Conference season, looking to make another jump in production.
With a revamped wide receiver core and retaining the whole running back room, the Hurricanes have one of the best rosters in the nation.
- Several Miami Hurricanes baseball players earned All-ACC honors, including a few first-timers.
- The Miami Hurricanes basketball program is reportedly scheduled to open the upcoming season against an in-state rival.
- Coach Mario Cristobal believes the Miami Hurricanes should face an in-state rival every year.
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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
