The Miami Hurricanes came as close as you can to winning a National Championship without pulling off the feat, as the Canes had the ball late with a chance to win the game before a Carson Beck interception sealed their fate. While Mario Cristobal proved Miami was back to contending at the highest level, it felt like a missed opportunity for the Canes as the roster had all the talent needed.
The biggest issue throughout the season for Miami was Carson Beck's inconsistency, as he'd look like the best quarterback in the country some weeks or struggle mightily and cost the team a game. While a ton of talent left for the NFL Draft, Mario Cristobal had a shot to improve the team, and it may end up taking the Canes further this season.
Miami looks invincible with Darian Mensah at quarterback
In the Transfer Portal, it looked like Miami may not have a clear option at quarterback, as they were without a commitment heading into the final day for new entries. Then Darian Mensah entered the Transfer Portal on the final day of the window along with his star wide receiver, Cooper Barkate. Mario Cristobal instantly swooped in, reportedly paying Mensah north of $6 million to come to Miami.
On Friday Night, Miami fans got their first look at their new quarterback, and Darian Mensah showed that he can be worth every penny and more. Stanford's defense had no answers for the Canes' passing attack as Mensah finished the game 27-30 for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The first drive of the game showed the upside of Mensah as he stuck in the pocket and delivered a perfect ball to Malachi Toney with defenders crashing down on him.
Didn’t take long for the Mensah-Toney connection to find the endzone 😳 pic.twitter.com/L6lQxpEBmK
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) September 5, 2026
Stanford knew they couldn't cover Miami's wide receivers for long so their strategy was to put Mensah under pressure as often as possible. It turns out blitzing Mensah is not the answer, as he was a perfect 8-for-8 against the blitz in the 1st half.
Darian Mensah vs. blitz in the 1st half:
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) September 5, 2026
8-8, 156 yards and 2 TDs.
Anything NFL scouts would've wanted to see, Darian Mensah put on film in the win over Stanford, making Miami's potential scary. Mensah made big throws under pressure, showed pinpoint accuracy, navigated the pocket well, and threw with anticipation.
After seeing Darian Mensah's fit in Miami's offense, every team in the ACC should be worried as Mensah looks light-years ahead of where Carson Beck was last season. Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal are the best at developing offensive linemen and the Canes' duo of wide receivers may be the best in the Country.
This Miami team has no clear flaw, and if Darian Mensah's going to play at a high level this season, there's not a team in the ACC that can keep pace with the Canes.
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