Malachi Toney and Darian Mensah are getting national recognition, and Miami fans can take that as another sign the Hurricanes’ offense is making plenty of noise.
The Associated Press released its midseason All-American teams, and both Miami standouts landed on the list. Mensah was named the top quarterback, while Toney came in just behind Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith on the wide receiver side.
Mensah’s second-team quarterback spot went to Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, the signal-caller for a Bulldogs team many are hoping could meet Miami in the postseason. On the first-team wide receiver group with Toney was Oregon State’s Jesse Legree, who is averaging over 150 yards per game for the Beavers. Rutgers’ KJ Duff, Wake Forest’s Carlos Hernandez, and Mississippi State’s Anthony Evans filled out the second team.
Miami did not place any defensive players on the first or second teams, a shift from last season that lines up with the injuries that side of the ball has dealt with so far. The Hurricanes are coming out of their bye week with the coaching staff saying several key contributors are expected to be healthier for the in-state matchup with Florida State.
That game is set for October 17 at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami leads the all-time series 37-33, and the last meeting came in 2025, when the Hurricanes went on the road and beat Florida State 28-22. Miami’s offense, led by Malachi Toney and the running game, was electric in a win that was not as close as the final score suggested.
The Hurricanes last played in a 41-13 win over Clemson, a result that counts as one of the program’s best victories in recent memory. Miami controlled that game despite the injuries, leaning on a strong run game and one of the nation’s best defensive lines.
Florida State is coming off a painful road loss to Louisville. The Seminoles had a chance to grab a 21-0 lead, but the run game stopped them from building on it.
With FSU head coach Mike Norvell’s seat described as scalding hot, a win over Miami would give the Seminoles a major lift with their administration. For the Hurricanes, the task is simple: show up rested, shake off the bye week, and make plays.
In Other News...
Mark Fletcher Jr. Sends Blunt Miami Message Before Huge Recruiting Weekend
With a major recruiting weekend looming around the Florida State game, Miami is trying to turn its on-field energy into real momentum with high school prospects. Mark Fletcher Jr. is one of the programs clearest examples of why the Hurricanes believe they can sell more than just a game day atmosphere. A former four-star recruit who flipped from Ohio State, the senior back has become one of Miamis more productive players, piling up more than 2,600 career rushing yards and 31 touchdowns.
Fletcher used a recent media availability to make the pitch in plain terms: competitive recruits should be looking at Miami. That kind of message carries weight because it comes from a player who has lived the decision, developed into a reliable producer and watched the Hurricanes continue to work the 2027 trail, including landing a high-upside running back. The question now is whether that confidence translates when some of the nations best prospects are on campus for one of the biggest weekends of the season. [Read more 🡒]
Miamis Offensive Line Surge Says A Lot About Cristobals Vision
Miamis offensive line has become one of the clearest signs that Mario Cristobals rebuild is taking hold. Even with injuries interrupting the groups rhythm, the Hurricanes have kept getting better as the season has gone on, and that growth has helped power an offense that sits among the nations best in total production and scoring. Much of that progress traces back to Cristobal and line coach Alex Mirabal, whose track record shows up in the way the unit has stayed steady while the rest of the offense has continued to move forward.
The improvement is also showing up in how the personnel has adapted. Jackson Cantwell is developing more versatility, while Seuseu Alofaituli has been asked to handle new responsibilities and stepped into them effectively. Miami has done a good job limiting sacks and tackles for loss, which is a pretty good reflection of a line that is not just surviving injuries, but growing through them. [Read more 🡒]
Elija Lofton Is Becoming A Much Bigger Piece For Miami
Elija Lofton has gone from promising piece to a much bigger part of Miamis offense this season, giving the Hurricanes another option at tight end as the passing game continues to settle in. The junior has 12 catches for 134 yards and a touchdown, and his growing comfort with quarterback Darian Mensah has helped him carve out a more meaningful role in the offense.
Shannon Dawson has taken notice of the way Lofton is contributing beyond the box score, especially with his blocking and the physical edge he brings to the field. For Miami, that kind of all-around improvement matters because it shows Lofton is earning more trust in the areas that often keep a tight end on the field when the game gets tight. [Read more 🡒]