Miami has reason to be intrigued by Caleb Gaskins, and Shelton Henderson is putting the freshman forward on a short list that matters.
“I think he can win ACC Freshman of the Year,” he said. “He showed me a lot that I didn’t really know he can do. He’s a really good player.”
That’s a strong endorsement for a player who arrives with a five-star label and a chance to make history. No one in program history has ever taken home the ACC Freshman of the Year award.
Gaskins chose Miami over Florida and Texas A&M, with “The U” landing the prospect from Christopher Columbus High School, which sits approximately 5.2 miles north of the Coral Gables campus. The 6-8, 219-pound power forward brings a mix of athleticism, midrange touch and low-post strength, though his outside shot was a clear issue in high school. That part of his game could still improve as the season gets closer.
His role is not fully settled yet. Gaskins was originally projected to start, but Malik Reneau is officially back for a fifth season, which could push the 18-year-old into a reserve role.
Even so, that spot is not locked in. Gaskins could still climb the depth chart, and that possibility is worth watching ahead of the Nov. 2 opener against Florida.
Last season, head coach Jai Lucas showed he was willing to mix things up late, starting freshman Dante Allen over junior Tru Washington toward the end of the regular season.
What makes Gaskins especially notable is the company he keeps. Miami is one of only four ACC teams with at least one five-star freshman, joining Duke, UNC and Louisville. The Hurricanes will see all of those teams on the road during ACC play.
Duke’s freshman group includes PF Cameron Williams, PG Deron Rippey Jr. and C Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje. UNC brings in C Sayon Keita, while Louisville features C Obinna Ekezie Jr.
Miami’s profile is rising, too, after a historic 26-9 turnaround. That means more eyes, more pressure and a tougher schedule.
The Hurricanes are set to face at least seven presumed preseason-ranked opponents across non-conference and ACC play, including Alabama at the Watsco Center on Dec. 2.
That game was recently set for a 9:15 p.m. tip and will air on ESPN.
In Other News...
Miamis Explosive Win Came With One Clemson Warning
Miamis first Saturday game of the season looked every bit like the kind of blowout a ranked team wants to put on tape, with a 52-3 rout of Central Michigan that showcased both the offenses ceiling and the defenses ability to take over a game. Darian Mensah topped 300 passing yards and threw four touchdowns, while Malachi Toney kept the pressure on the Chippewas with 120 receiving yards and a score. Miami also forced three turnovers and held Central Michigan to just three points, a reminder that the Hurricanes can win in more than one way.
The one thing that kept the afternoon from feeling fully polished was the flag count. Miami was penalized 13 times for 112 yards, a stretch of sloppiness that can get exposed much faster once the schedule turns to stronger opposition. For a team that spent the day overwhelming an overmatched opponent, the next challenge is obvious: clean up the details before those mistakes become costly against Clemson. [Read more 🡒]
Miami Fans Have Every Right To Be Mad About Darian Mensah Snub
Desmond Howards hypothetical Heisman vote on ESPNs College GameDay has already sparked plenty of debate, and it is easy to see why Miami fans would have an issue with how the quarterback conversation shook out. Howard put Trinidad Chambliss first and Kamario Taylor second while running through a wide group of passers who have put together eye-catching seasons, including Darian Mensah, Lincoln Kienholz, Michael Hawkins Jr., Faizon Brandon and Keelon Russell.
For Miami supporters, the frustration comes from seeing Mensah left outside the top two after being included in the discussion at all. The piece walks through the production and big-game moments from several quarterbacks, but Mensah stands out as the name that feels most likely to linger in the debate, especially with so much attention on how national voters sort through a crowded field of standouts. [Read more 🡒]
Miami Faces One Big Test Beyond The Central Michigan Spread
No. 6 Miami comes back to Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night with a 3-0 record and the kind of early-season numbers that have made the Hurricanes look every bit like a national contender. Central Michigan arrives at 2-1, and on paper this is the sort of nonconference matchup Miami is expected to handle while continuing to stack clean performances on both sides of the ball.
Still, the bigger question for Miami is not just whether it can win, but whether it can leave the night healthy and on schedule with the rest of the season ahead. The game comes with injury updates to monitor for both teams, along with broadcast details for fans who want to follow along, and those peripheral details may matter nearly as much as the spread once the ball is kicked off. [Read more 🡒]