Hello one, hello all, and happy Monday. Hope your weeks have gotten off to a great start.
Lots to talk about in the Miami universe, so let’s get to it.
1) The Hurricanes’ spring game took place on Saturday, and, of course, as it was not televised, I didn’t get to watch it all unfold.
But from the snippets I did see and the response from others, there certainly were some things to note.
I could not be more excited for the Canes’ passing attack in 2025. He’s got the chemistry with Cooper Barkate, and it was on display with a pinpoint touchdown
Miami Spring Game: Duke transfers, QB Darian Mensah and Cooper Barkate, link for touchdown. pic.twitter.com/oad5yoCfEm
— Marcus Benjamin (@Benjamin_Report) April 18, 2026
He also connected with Daylyn Upshaw for a long touchdown. And I’m sure you all saw Malachi Toney’s leaping grab that imitated his insane catch from the Fiesta Bowl. Don’t need to talk that guy up. Stud.
b) I am beginning to feel a bit better about the offensive line.
As those who’ve read this column know, that’s been my primary concern with this team, outside of Jackson Cantwell. Freshman or not, he’s going to be outstanding very, very quickly. But with so, so much turnover from such a special group last year, it won’t be easy to fill those shoes.
But from all accounts, the line did a solid job on Saturday. Cantwell had some wow moments that showcased his elite abilities. And Matthew McCoy on the other side drew some praise from Canes edge rusher Damon Wilson II, so that was good to hear. And trying to get around or through 6-6, 330 pounds won’t be easy for edge rushers this year.
c) The future at running back beyond Mark Fletcher, Jr. is pretty ridiculous.
The Hurricanes have one of the very best in the nation back for next year, but the future is blindingly bright in that RB room. He may not have the hype of some other players who have come in, but man, I love watching Fort Lauderdale freshman Javian Mallory play. He’s a dump truck who gets a head of steam going, and pretty quickly. He had a few looks in the spring game.
Freshman RB Javian Mallory getting some reps. pic.twitter.com/mgdqvImKKR
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) April 18, 2026
Javian Mallory is hard to bring down. pic.twitter.com/nlsKCfxtD7
A lot of mouths to feed, but with talent like this…goodness.
d) The Hurricanes have some thumpers coming into the program.
Miami was pure hit stick with Jakobe Thomas last year at safety, and now, it looks like we may have a couple of new hitters in their first year with the program. Freshman J.J. Dunnigan and Boston College transfer Omar Thornton made some very nice plays on Saturday. Thornton got the look at nickel, with Zechariah Poyser and Bryce Fitzgerald getting the first team reps at safety.
And, of course, the question is whether Miami will have two or three first round picks. Rueben Bain, Jr. and Francis Mauigoa are lead-pipe lock first rounders. But will Akheem Mesidor join them? Mesidor has been mocked anywhere from Tampa Bay at No. 15 to out of the first round altogether. Keionte Scott will likely be a second-round pick even though he is a first round talent. Someone will get a steal there on Day 2. The question is where will Carson Beck and Markel Bell end up? Wesley Bissainthe and CJ Daniels feel like mid to late Day 3 picks, but Beck feels tougher to read. Bell has taken some Top 30 visits, and his physical tools are ridiculous. Feels like someone will roll the dice on him at least early on Day 3. We’ll find out soon enough where they all end up.