With the 2026 offseason in full swing, Miami's transfer portal work is nearly wrapped up - but there’s still one major domino left to fall. And if you’ve followed Mario Cristobal’s approach to roster building, you know he’s not closing the door until every avenue to improve has been explored. The Hurricanes have already made significant moves, but there are still a few high-impact players in play who could push this team from contender to champion.
Let’s take a closer look at the names still on Miami’s radar as we head into the final stretch of portal activity.
Darian Mensah, Quarterback (Duke)
This is the big one. If Miami wants to maximize its shot at an ACC title - and maybe even another run at the College Football Playoff - landing Darian Mensah would be a massive step in that direction.
Mensah’s situation is complicated. He’s currently tied up in a legal dispute with Duke over the terms of his NIL deal and whether he’s eligible to suit up elsewhere next season. That hearing is scheduled for Thursday, and it should bring some clarity to what’s next for the talented signal-caller.
On the field, though, the fit is obvious. This would mark the third straight year Miami has dipped into the portal for its starting quarterback, and the results speak for themselves.
Cam Ward and Carson Beck combined for 23 wins, back-to-back 10-win seasons, and a CFP Championship Game appearance. That’s not just success - that’s a blueprint.
Eventually, the Hurricanes will look to develop a homegrown QB to lead the offense. But in 2026, with the roster built to win now, Mensah could be the final piece to keep the momentum rolling.
Cooper Barkate, Wide Receiver (Duke)
If Mensah ends up in Coral Gables, don’t be surprised if Cooper Barkate follows.
The Harvard transfer turned Duke standout would bring not only production - he’s a 1,000-yard receiver - but also instant chemistry with Mensah. That familiarity could go a long way in helping Miami’s offense hit the ground running next fall.
And make no mistake: this receiving corps is already loaded. Josh Moore is back, and the additions of Vandrevius Jacobs (South Carolina) and Cam Vaughn (West Virginia) give the Hurricanes a deep, versatile group. Barkate would be the icing on the cake - a savvy route-runner who could pair with rising star Malachi Toney to give defenses headaches every Saturday.
With Barkate in the mix, Miami wouldn’t just have depth - they’d have matchup nightmares across the board.
Darius Snow, Linebacker (Michigan State)
While much of the offseason focus has been on the offensive side of the ball, Miami still has some questions to answer on defense - particularly at linebacker.
Yes, the defensive line has some young blue-chip talent ready to emerge, but the second level of the defense is thinner, especially after losing several long-time contributors. That’s where Darius Snow comes in.
The Michigan State veteran, who was recently granted a rare seventh year of eligibility, brings experience, leadership, and versatility. He’s played a lot of football and could contribute both at linebacker and on special teams. Snow may not be a headline-grabber, but he’s the type of steady presence that championship teams need - someone who knows his role, executes it well, and sets the tone for younger players around him.
Mohamed Toure’s return helps stabilize the unit, but adding Snow would give the Hurricanes another trusted option as they transition into a new defensive core.
Final Thoughts
Cristobal and his staff have already done the heavy lifting this portal cycle, but these final few moves could be the difference between a strong season and a special one. If Miami can secure Mensah, Barkate, and Snow, they won’t just be reloading - they’ll be reinforcing a roster that’s already built to win now.
The Hurricanes are close. And with a few more calculated additions, they might just be ready to finish what they started.