The commitment from 2027 four-star quarterback Israel Abrams elevated Miami to the 10th-ranked class. Miami added former Duke and Tulane QB Darian Mensah as the starter in 2026. Mensah is the third consecutive transfer QB who will spend one year as the Hurricanes' starter in 2026.
Miami has four scholarship QBs on its 2026 roster who will have eligibility remaining beyond the upcoming season. Redshirt freshman Luke Nickel and redshirt sophomore Judd Anderson return as scholarship QBs for Miami in 2026. Three-star QB Dereon Coleman signed with Miami in the 2026 class.
Anderson, Coleman, or Nickel could potentially transfer at some point before Abrams would enroll at Miami in 2027. Quarterbacks want a chance to play. Miami lost former starter Emory Williams to East Carolina in the 2026 Transfer Portal.
Anderson did not throw a pass in his one appearance for Miami in 2024. Nickel was incomplete in his only attempt in one game during the 2025 season. Anderson and Nickel are the primary competitors behind Mensah to be the backup in 2026. Expect Coleman to take a redshirt season this fall.
"Hard-core competitors, winners, guys that are relentless about how they approach their craft, guys that people are going to gravitate to...and at all costs are going to do what it takes to get to 1-0. Obviously got to be a great person off the field. "Miami head coach Mario Cristobal.
What Mario Cristobal looks for in a QB
Cristobal appeared on the Pat McAfee show on Friday, immediately after Abrams announced his commitment to Miami on the program. Cristobal cannot discuss players until they sign, but provided McAfee and his co-hosts a summary of what he looks for in a QB.
Abrams completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 4,072 yards, 40 touchdowns and six interceptions and 82 carries for 244 yards and another 10 scores per MaxPreps. If Arizona does not add a transfer QB in 2027, Abrams could have a chance to compete to be the starting QB as a true freshman.
Nickel would be the likely favorite to be the starter entering 2027. If Miami does not add a starter. Abrams will be the highest rated QB on the 2027 Miami roster at .9806 from 247Sports. Nickel is second at .9171.