The Miami Hurricanes are a quarter of the way through the season and are a week away from heading into the more challenging part of the schedule. So far, there have been some highs and lows for the Hurricanes despite a 3-0 start. The record is important to mention because it's a lot easier to pick at things after a win instead of a loss.
But there are things to celebrate and things that need to improve if Mario Cristobal's team wants to make a deep run in the playoffs. Here are three things from both sides of that coin.
3 things that Miami fans should be excited about
Darian Mensah is even better than advertised
There were great expectations for Mensah heading into Coral Gables after a standout season in 2025 when he led Duke to an ACC championship. But I don't think anyone could have expected Mensah to hit the right notes with the frequency he has. Mensah is the most accurate quarterback in the country, and he is a perfect fit for Shannon Dawson's scheme. By his own admission, Mensah said the offense isn't where it should be and suggested the Hurricanes will reach additional levels. That gives us plenty to look forward to.
Malachi Toney is ready to make history at Miami
Toney had 109 receptions for 1,211 yards in 16 games with the Hurricanes as a freshman. Right now, he's on pace to have 104 catches for over 1,700 yards in 12 games! He's already set the single-game record with 234 yards and previously held the single-season record for catches and yards. Now he's looking to set even more records as a sophomore and his five touchdown catches in 13 games have him threatening Leonard Hankerson's single-season record of 13.
JJ Dunnigan looks like a Freshman All-American
Dunnigan was a name that was consistently mentioned during spring and fall camp and the true freshman from Manhattan, Kansas has lived up to the hype and them some. Injuries in the secondary forced Bryce Fitzgerald to move to cornerback and put Dunnigan in the starting lineup and he's been exceptional.
In Week 3, Dunnigan was a huge part of the nickel-based pressure packages that Corey Hetherman schemed up and led the Hurricanes in snaps (68), tackles (8) and QB hurries (3). Dunnigan is still a freshman and missed out on some opportunities that he will eventually capitalize on as the 6-foot-3, 200-poumd athlete grows into his role.
3 things that Miami fans need to be concerned about
Miami still hasn't found its WR3/4 or WR2 for that matter
The Hurricanes wide receiver room is talented, but it's still very much based on Toney occupying the attention of defenses. When Toney was compromised with an injury in the second half against Wake Forest, the rest of the Miami pass catchers could not break past aggressive man coverage. These are battles that they will have to win. Cooper Barkate (10 catches, 96 yards) needs to have a breakout game soon, while Dre Jacobs (2 catches, 38 yards) and Somourian Wingo (4 catches, 86 yards) have to establish themselves as vertical threats.
Miami's offensive line hasn't come together yet
Week 3 was the first chance for Miami's starting five to play a whole game. The unit of Samson Okunlola, SJ Alofaitul, Ryan Rodriguez, Max Buchanan and Matthew McCoy played all 70 offensive snaps. This was a good thing because there was a full game to evaluate this group and see how they held up under pressure.
Results were mixed. Cristobal liked the play of the tackles, but the guard play was below average. Alofaitul, in particular, struggled with pass protection. My guess is this starting five won't last much longer. Miami is going to have to get freshmen Jackson Cantwell and Ben Congdon involved more to maximize the group's potential.
Injuries are affecting the defense at every level
The attrition in the secondary is noteworthy as Miami is down their top three cornerbacks. Luckily, it's a deep position with Damari Brown and Ethan O'Connor offering plenty of experience as replacements. However, the depth at linebacker is less inspiring after the announcement that sophomore Ezekiel Marcelin will miss some time with a lower-body injury.
Marcelin provided some much-needed athleticism and twitch at the position and he will be missed. Reserves like Cam Pruitt and Kellen Wiley have to be better when they get on the field.
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