Backup QB Luke Nickel has looked sharp to start the season, and it has some fans questioning the QB timeline for the future.
Luke Nickel isn't about to lay down when Israel Abrams gets to Miami.
— M🎙ke McCoy (@UM_radio_Mic) September 11, 2026
Miami might have a QB battle on its hands next spring
Nickel came in for relief of starting QB Darian Mensah in the second half against FAMU and went 8 for 8 for 144 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a 13-yard run to that performance. Pro Football Focus even gave him a 93.6 grade, which was the highest mark on Miami's offense.
Nickel is 11 of 13 for 171 yards, three touchdowns and one interception through two games. The interception came in limited work at Stanford.
After going through years of QB transfers, Miami has gained some highschool commits to set the stage for long-term answers at the position. One of those signal callers coming in with a lot of hype is Israel Abrams.
The five-star Montini Catholic quarterback committed to Miami on April 3 and is the centerpiece of the 2027 class. He is a dual-threat who just accounted for all seven of Montini’s touchdowns in a 47-42 win at Nazareth on Friday night, passing for 408 yards and four scores and running for three more. When he enrolls the expectation around the program is that he will push for the job.
Dereon Coleman will also be in the QB battle
Dereon Coleman is in the conversation as well. The true freshman from Orlando Jones got his first extended series against Florida A&M and completed 5 of 6 passes for 30 yards.
Coleman was a four-star recruit and an Elite 11 finalist who signed with Miami over Oklahoma, Texas A&M and others. He is buried in the depth chart behind Mensah and Nickel, but the staff is still high on him.
With another offseason under his belt, Miami could see all three players compete for the job, and one of them may enter the transfer portal.
Dereon Coleman career game log
- Sept. 10 vs. Florida A&M: 5 of 6 passing, 30 yards, 0 TD/0 INT. Three carries for 19 yards.
Luke Nickel career game log
2025
- Nov. 15, 2025 vs. NC State: 0 of 1, 0 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT.
2026
- Sept. 4 at Stanford: 3 of 5, 27 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT.
- Sept. 10 vs. Florida A&M: 8 of 8, 144 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT.
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