While the transfer portal closed for all but two college football teams on Friday, Jan. 16, it is about to be open for an additional five days for programs like Miami beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 20... With the Hurricanes playing in this year's national championship, they have a little bit more time to figure their roster out. The biggest need right now has to be at quarterback to replace Carson Beck after the CFP.
With Tennessee landing former Colorado backup Ryan Staub, it means Miami will get Darian Mensah.
BREAKING: Colorado transfer QB Ryan Staub has committed to Tennessee, @PeteNakos and @Hayesfawcett3 report🍊https://t.co/E2ecC9qa0j pic.twitter.com/QcqjEYen7U
— On3 (@On3) January 18, 2026
The former Duke and Tulane quarterback has already said his goodbyes to the fine folks over in Durham. With his incredibly late transfer portal entry, it is no surprise that he has been crystal balled to Miami this late in the cycle. This move may crush former Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz's soul, but it is part of doing business in the wonderful world of NIL. Mensah feels like a lock for Coral Gables.
While Miami should sustain excellence with the Mensah addition, Tennessee may be circling the drain.
Miami's expected Darian Mensah addition will ruin Tennessee's viability
Let's be totally honest with ourselves. Miami has been, and maybe always will be, a player for any marquee quarterbacks in the transfer portal. Just because they were not as active as other teams were during the two-week transfer portal does not mean they completely avoided the window all together. Again, the Canes have a national championship to win. One step at a time, folks. Breathe...
With notable transfer portal quarterbacks like Sam Leavitt, Brendan Sorsby, and Drew Mestemaker all choosing LSU, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State respectively, it had become slim pickings near the end of the two-week window. Miami's will be extended for five more days from Tuesday, Jan. 20 to Saturday, Jan. 24. This is when Mensah will put pen to paper and fully come aboard with the Canes.
As for Tennessee, Staub could be a serviceable stop-gap, but that would be two years of it in a post-Nico Iamaleava world. Joey Aguilar largely overachieved low expectations, but the Vols will now have to put their trust and faith into either Staub, or potentially George MacIntyre in their quarterback room. This is a critical year for head coach Josh Heupel. There is a shot he is gone after a bad 2026.
For now, Miami has so much momentum heading into spring practice as this season draws to a close.