While almost all of the focus for Miami and head man Mario Cristobal is on the CFP title game on Monday night, there's still one major piece of work needed via the transfer portal. That'd be to bring in a quarterback, with all eyes on Darian Mensah.
Rumored Darian Mensah cost for Miami has college football fans up in arms
Could that lead to a different signal-caller making his exit? That's something that's not only on the table, but very much expected at this point. Emory Williams has been with the Hurricanes since he signed with Miami in 2023, but his time in Coral Gables indeed looks like it could be coming to an end in the near future:
Didn't happen to see Emory Williams at media day (he was spotted by a colleague), but Canes braced for potential departure after Monday if he pulls trigger as many expect. An AAC school has interest in him as potential starter. Expectation is Nickel sticks around. And incoming… https://t.co/XWgvQcqXkv
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 17, 2026
QB Emory Williams is expected to transfer if Miami signs Darian Mensah
As noted by Miami reporter Barry Jackson, the Canes signing Mensah would likely close the door on Williams' career with Miami. At that point, no one could blame him for deciding to pack his bags and look for playing time elsewhere.
As much as he might love Miami, Williams is going to want to push for a starting role. He was hoping to do that in 2025, but once Carson Beck was signed, everyone knew he was going to take over the offense for Cristobal and Shannon Dawson.
Beck now has Miami one win away from capturing the CFP glory. The year before, Cam Ward was brought in. Now Mensah? If that ends up being the case, then yes, Williams will have no choice but to suit up elsewhere if he wants to make a big-time impact for a program.
Before all of that happens, however, he'll be with Miami for at least one more game. That's of course the biggest one of his career, with the Canes ready to battle Fernando Mendoza and Indiana for all of the marbles. After that one, though, don't be shocked if the QB says goodbye to Canes fans not long after.