The hype surrounding the Miami Hurricanes continues to build ahead of the 2026 college football season.
On Wednesday, the ACC released its preseason honors, and Miami dominated the list. According to On3, quarterback Darian Mensah was named the 2026 ACC Preseason Player of the Year after transferring from Duke, while dynamic playmaker Malachi Toney earned recognition on both the offensive and special teams preseason All-ACC teams.
That’s just the beginning.
The Hurricanes led the conference with seven preseason All-ACC selections, showcasing the depth Mario Cristobal has assembled on both sides of the ball. Joining Mensah and Toney on the first team were offensive lineman Samson Okunlola, defensive lineman Ahmad Moten Sr., linebacker Mohamed Toure, and defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald.
Those honors reinforce what many already believe. Miami isn’t just expected to compete for the ACC championship — it enters the season as one of the favorites to reach the College Football Playoff.
Mensah’s recognition is especially noteworthy. Winning Preseason Player of the Year honors before taking a snap for Miami speaks volumes about the expectations surrounding the former Duke quarterback. The Hurricanes believe he’s the missing piece to an offense loaded with talent, and he’ll have no shortage of weapons led by Toney, one of the nation’s most explosive athletes.
Of course, preseason awards don’t guarantee success. But they do reflect the respect Miami has earned heading into 2026. The Hurricanes have one of the deepest rosters in the ACC, elite talent at premium positions, and sky-high expectations. Now comes the hard part — turning preseason recognition into a championship.
The hype surrounding the Miami Hurricanes continues to build ahead of the 2026 college football season. On Wednesday, the ACC released its preseason honors, and Miami dominated the list. According to On3, quarterback Darian Mensah was named the 2026 ACC Preseason Player of the Year after transferring from Duke, while dynamic playmaker Malachi Toney earned recognition on both the offensive and special teams preseason All-ACC teams.
