Could a Miami Hurricane finally hoist college football's ultimate prize? Emerging stars, headlined by a record-chasing receiver, eye Heisman glory.
Over the last couple of years, the Miami Hurricanes have worked alongside Heisman Trophy-worthy candidates. In 2024, quarterback Cam Ward finished fourth in voting after a tremendous season with the program. He completed 305 of 454 passes, 67.2 percent, and threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, which led the ACC. This past season, quarterback Carson Beck and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. were candidates until suffering two losses in three weeks against the Louisville Cardinals and SMU Mustangs.
However, this upcoming season could be an opportunity for others to emerge worthy of the biggest trophy in college football.
There have been four wide receivers in history to win the award, with the most recent being Devonta Smith from the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2020. Malachi Toney could be the first to accomplish such an honor as a member of the Hurricanes.
The 18-year-old finished an excellent freshman season, catching 109 passes for 1,211 yards, 11.1 yards per carry, and scoring 10 touchdowns.
Toney is expected to take on a larger role next season, as Keelan Marion and CJ Daniels have declared for the NFL draft. The Hurricanes revamped the wide receiver room with a few transfer portal acquisitions, such as Cooper Barkate, Cam Vaughn, and Vandrevius Jacobs.
Jeremiah Smith from the Ohio State Buckeyes was the only wide receiver to finish in the top-10 voting. He caught 87 passes for 1,234 yards, 14.3 yards per carry, and scored 12 touchdowns.
Toney was regarded as among the best wide receivers, not only in the ACC, but in the nation. A leap in production after an outstanding season could build an undeniable case.
Three quarterbacks finished as the Heisman Trophy finalists: Vanderbilt Commodores' Diego Pavia, Buckeyes' Julian Sayin, and Indiana Hoosiers' Fernando Mendoza, who was the recipient.
On Tuesday, the Hurricanes signed Darian Mensah from the transfer portal, previously with the Duke Blue Devils. He completed 334 of 500 passes, 66.8 percent, throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns. The 21-year-old led the program to its first ACC championship since 1989.
Mensah had a solid offense surrounding him, but with the Hurricanes, it's a significant upgrade. Toney, Vaughn, and Jacobs, plus Mark Fletcher Jr., CharMar Brown, Jordan Lyle, and Girard Pringle Jr. in the backfield.
Despite a few notable departures for the NFL from the offensive line, such as Francis Mauigoa, Anez Cooper, Markel Bell, and James Brockermeyer, the production will likely remain strong for Mensah as it was for Beck.
Given that protection, his ability to throw down the field to some great receivers will result in outstanding numbers. Plus, a quarterback has won the award in four out of the last five years.
Mensah and Toney have a chance to shoot for glory for the Hurricanes, such as winning a National Championship. Spring training should be an exciting time for them.
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