The excitement over Miami landing Darian Mensah isn't going to go anywhere in the near future. Mensah, a stud for the Duke Blue Devils, stunned everyone by entering the transfer portal and eventually signing with the Canes.
Priority Miami target gives awesome quote on his high Canes interest
We haven't heard from Mario Cristobal on the QB's move to Coral Gables, but thanks to reporter Adam Lichtenstein, that has changed. To start the new week, Cristobal opened up on what Mensah brings to Miami and the veteran head coach didn't hold back with his thoughts on his new QB. Yeah, it's safe to say that Cristobal is fired up knowing Mensah will lead the offense out onto the field come Week 1:
NEW: Mario Cristobal, speaking publicly about Darian Mensah for the first time since the QB transferred to UM, said the former Duke star is "the right guy" for Miami.
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) February 9, 2026
"Made of the right stuff. Alpha."
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Mario Cristobal is ready for Darian Mensah to 'cut it loose' for Miami in 2026
“He’s the right guy,” Cristobal said via the Sun Sentinel. “Not only for us to go and continue to get better; he’s also the right guy to help develop that young quarterback room because that young quarterback room is really impressive. And we think those guys are going to be great players. So it’s kind of the same as the previous quarterbacks: You surround them with an elite supporting cast, you have a great chance for success. So we can’t wait to watch him cut it loose.”
Those are the words of a coach who knows Mensah is going to be a stud for Miami. With the greatest of respect for Duke, Mensah just never had enough talent surrounding him for the Blue Devils to push for the CFP - we will give them credit for their ACC title, though.
However, that's going to change in a big way for Mensah come next fall. Malachi Toney is going to be one of the best players in the country, while Mark Fletcher Jr. is going to be a force leading the ground game. Miami's defense should be stout once again too to help take pressure off of the offense.
This is all good news for Mensah, who has hopes of winning the natty with Miami and then becoming a first-round pick. He no question made the right call in signing with The U to help make both of those dreams come true. Soon enough, he'll put on a show during spring ball and then the real countdown for the start of the season will arrive.