Armed with star quarterback Darian Mensah and a favorable schedule, HC Mario Cristobal’s revamped roster faces a defining path toward the playoffs and a potential historic perfect run.
MIAMI, Fla. – Ahead of the 2026 college football season, the Miami Hurricanes are established National Championship contenders. Entering as the runners-up, the program made significant changes to the roster, including at quarterback, with Darian Mensah taking over the reins.
The 21-year-old arrives at the Coral Gables campus with hopes of delivering a title – which would be the first since the 2001 season. He’s among college football’s best returning quarterbacks, surrounded by several high-quality weapons, including in the backfield.
Given the revamped roster and upcoming schedule, the Hurricanes have all of the intangibles to go undefeated. There are no Southeastern Conference opponents, which is a first since the 2020 season. It’s a schedule with virtually less competition than last year.
The Hurricanes have two opponents that could get in the way of an undefeated season:
- At Clemson (Oct. 3)
- At Notre Dame (Nov. 7)
Both will be challenging road games, but it should only propel the team’s chances of winning the Atlantic Coast Conference and returning to the College Football Playoffs.
The Tigers are coming off an underwhelming 7-6 overall season. Despite being one of the ACC’s prolific and dominant programs, the Hurricanes are creeping up on them. As one side has an established quarterback, the other is hoping it’s not too far of a gap. Given Cade Klubnik’s departure to the NFL (New York Jets), redshirt junior Christopher Vizzina is projected as the Tigers’ starting quarterback.
Before the upcoming season, the 21-year-old has appeared in only 14 games. He completed 64 of 105 passes, 61 percent, throwing for 596 yards and four touchdowns, including an interception.
The Tigers’ scoring defense still ranked top-50 among Football Bowl Subdivision programs. It’s what the program will likely hope to keep them afloat, especially with the returns of Will Heldt and Sammy Brown, among others.
Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish still have quarterback CJ Carr to run the offense. However, he’s missing two backfield stars in Jadarian Pierce and Heisman Trophy finalist/All-American Jeremiyah Love.
Although the Hurricanes don’t have the richest history playing in South Bend, Indiana – 1-12 all-time – this roster has the talent to overcome past struggles. Coach Mario Cristobal and the staff got a firsthand taste of the “Catholics vs. Convicts” rivalries from the sidelines at Hard Rock Stadium. It will surely be different at Notre Dame Stadium.
Despite offensive line concerns surrounding the program, along with edge rushers Marquise Lightfoot, Hayden Lowe, and Missouri All-SEC transfer Damon Wilson II looking to fill severe voids, the Hurricanes still have all the intangibles to go undefeated for the first time since the 2001 National Championship-winning season.
Although the slogan is "1-0" around the Coral Gables campus, it could be 13-0.
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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
