Could Kenny Minchey Be a Fit for Miami? The Door’s Not Closed Yet
Let’s get one thing straight off the top: Miami isn’t the favorite to land Notre Dame transfer quarterback Kenny Minchey. At least not right now.
Most of the early buzz points toward SEC programs and other Power Five destinations. But if Mario Cristobal and his staff are still in the market for a quarterback-and all signs suggest they are-Minchey is a name worth keeping an eye on.
And while it might not be the most obvious fit on paper, there’s a case to be made that Minchey to Miami makes more sense than it seems at first glance.
Who Is Kenny Minchey?
Minchey came to Notre Dame as a top-15 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, a four-star prospect with real upside. Over three seasons in South Bend, he never quite got the chance to take the reins. He lost a close quarterback battle to CJ Carr before the 2025 season and spent the year as the backup.
That said, the flashes were there. He completed 14 of 15 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in limited action, posting a 175.1 passer rating.
He also added a rushing score. Small sample size?
Absolutely. But it’s hard to ignore that kind of efficiency, even in a limited role.
Minchey’s decision to enter the portal doesn’t come as a shock-he’s a talented player looking for a clearer path to the field. And with Notre Dame missing the Playoff and Carr looking like the locked-in starter moving forward, the timing made sense.
Miami’s QB Search: Still Wide Open
Miami’s portal strategy this offseason has been ambitious. The Hurricanes are aiming high, and the names currently linked to the program reflect that.
Former Arizona State and Michigan State quarterback Sam Leavitt is in the mix. So is Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola and Florida transfer DJ Lagway-each with their own appeal and pedigree.
But here’s the thing about the portal: it’s fluid. What looks like a top target today might be off the board tomorrow. And sometimes, the best fit isn’t the flashiest name-it’s the one that’s available, motivated, and ready to prove something.
Cristobal and his staff have shown a willingness to stay aggressive in the quarterback market. There’s nothing stopping them from circling back to Minchey later in the cycle, especially if the top-tier options commit elsewhere or if Miami decides to bring in multiple quarterbacks to foster competition and depth.
The Notre Dame Angle
Let’s not ignore the narrative potential here. Minchey was once pitched as a key part of Notre Dame’s quarterback future. Now, he’s in the portal, and if he were to end up in Miami-especially as the potential successor to Carson Beck-it would raise some eyebrows.
Notre Dame fans wouldn’t be thrilled to see a former blue-chip QB, one they hoped would develop behind Carr, suiting up in orange and green. Even if Carr remains the guy in South Bend, the optics of losing Minchey to a high-profile ACC program would sting.
For Miami, it would be a bold move-and one that could pay off. Minchey has the arm, the poise, and the pedigree.
He just hasn’t had the runway yet. If Cristobal believes in his upside, there’s still time to make a move.
Final Thoughts
Right now, Minchey isn’t the headline name in Miami’s quarterback search. But that doesn’t mean the story’s over. The Hurricanes are operating at the top of the portal market, but as the landscape shifts-and it always does-don’t be surprised if Minchey’s name pops back up in Coral Gables.
Cristobal has proven he’s not afraid to make a splash. And sometimes, the most impactful additions are the ones you circle back to.