Could the Hurricanes Finally Strike Heisman Gold? Malachi Toney, Darian Mensah Set the Stage for a Miami Resurgence
The Heisman Trophy has long eluded the Miami Hurricanes - a program rich in history, talent, and swagger, but still searching for its first winner of college football’s most coveted individual prize. That search may be entering a new phase.
After a couple of close calls in recent seasons, Miami is heading into 2026 with not just one, but two legitimate Heisman hopefuls - and a renewed sense of belief that this could be the year a Hurricane finally takes home the hardware.
The Groundwork Has Been Laid
In 2024, quarterback Cam Ward gave Miami fans a taste of what a true Heisman run looks like, finishing fourth in the voting after a season that saw him lead the ACC in passing yards (4,313) and touchdowns (39), while completing over 67 percent of his throws. It was a breakout campaign that reintroduced Miami as a serious player on the national stage.
Last season, the Hurricanes looked poised to build on that momentum with quarterback Carson Beck and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. both drawing early Heisman buzz. But two losses in a three-week stretch - to Louisville and SMU - derailed their campaigns and the team’s title hopes.
Now, a new crop of talent is ready to take the baton.
Malachi Toney: The Next Great Receiver?
Wide receivers have a tough road to the Heisman - only four have ever won it, with Alabama’s DeVonta Smith being the most recent in 2020. But if anyone’s built to challenge that trend, it might be Malachi Toney.
At just 18 years old, Toney turned in a sensational freshman season, hauling in 109 catches for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns. His ability to consistently create separation and rack up yards after the catch made him one of the most electric players in the country - not just in the ACC, but nationally.
With Keelan Marion and CJ Daniels declaring for the NFL Draft, Toney is expected to take on an even larger role in 2026. Miami has retooled its wide receiver room via the transfer portal, adding Cooper Barkate, Cam Vaughn, and Vandrevius Jacobs to support Toney and keep the passing game dangerous.
Last season, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith was the only wideout to crack the top 10 in Heisman voting. He posted 87 catches for 1,234 yards and 12 scores. Toney was right there with him in terms of production - and if he takes another step forward, he’ll be hard to ignore.
Enter Darian Mensah: The Transfer with a Track Record
While Toney might be the flash, Darian Mensah brings the firepower at quarterback. The Hurricanes landed the All-ACC signal-caller from Duke through the transfer portal, and he arrives with a résumé that demands attention.
Mensah completed 66.8 percent of his passes last season, throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns. He led Duke to its first ACC championship since 1989 - a feat that speaks volumes about his leadership and poise under pressure.
Now, he steps into a Miami offense loaded with playmakers.
In addition to Toney and the new wave of receivers, Mensah will have a deep backfield featuring Mark Fletcher Jr., CharMar Brown, Jordan Lyle, and Girard Pringle Jr. That’s a balanced attack that should keep defenses guessing - and open up big-play opportunities downfield.
Yes, the offensive line took a hit with NFL-bound departures like Francis Mauigoa, Anez Cooper, Markel Bell, and James Brockermeyer. But the coaching staff believes the unit will remain strong enough to give Mensah the time he needs to operate - just as it did for Carson Beck last season.
A Quarterback’s Award - But a Team’s Moment?
Let’s be real: the Heisman has been a quarterback’s award in recent years. Four of the last five winners played under center. That gives Mensah a clear path - especially if he can put up big numbers and lead Miami to a playoff spot.
But don’t count out Toney. His freshman year was special, and if he builds on that with a few highlight-reel performances in primetime games, voters will take notice. He’s got the talent, the opportunity, and the spotlight.
And for Miami? This could be bigger than just individual accolades. With Mensah and Toney leading the charge, the Hurricanes are looking like a team ready to make a serious run at a national championship.
Spring ball will be the first glimpse of what this new-look offense can do. But make no mistake - the pieces are in place. The Hurricanes aren’t just chasing the Heisman.
They’re chasing history.