Miami Spring Game 2026: Observations

Written by: Marus Benjamin

For the third consecutive season, the Miami Hurricanes held their spring game on campus.  The festivities took place Saturday morning at Cobb Field, which is normally used as a soccer and track stadium.  

The program installed bleachers that appeared to seat roughly 3,000 spectators, and there were plenty of Miami alumni on hand, including Jonathan Vilma, DJ Williams, Lamar Miller, Allen Hurns, and Elijah Arroyo, to name a few.  Future 2026 NFL draft picks Rueben Bain, Franci Mauigoa, Akheem Mesidor, and Keionte Scott were also in attendance. 

What was seen was a team working to remain as a championship contender for the 2026 season.  There was plenty to review, and here is what stood out the most among the observations.

New QB, Same Optimism

New quarterback Darian Mensah impressed on Saturday.  The Duke quarterback threw three touchdown passes, and two were 25-30 yard deep balls down the sideline to Duke transfer Cooper Barkate and sophomore Daylyn Upshaw.  

The QBs were in non-contact jerseys, but the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder seemed to be in control of the offense throughout, checking down to running backs on several occasions.  

There still seems to be a need for improvement from the backups.  Sophomore Luke Nickel and freshman Dereon Coleman both fumbled during football exchanges with the backs, and neither seemed to get in a rhythm on Saturday.  Third-year sophomore Judd Anderson seemed the most comfortable and threw a touchdown pass to freshman Vance Spafford.

The deepest room could be running back

Upperclassmen running backs Mark Fletcher and Marty Brown both dressed but did not see much action in the spring game.  

Sophomore Girard Pringle was in a walking boot, which provided opportunities for junior Jordan Lyle, sophomore Chris Wheatley-Humphrey, and Freshman Javion Mallory.  Mallory was the strongest of the group as he and Lyle broke free for a few big gains.   Fifth-year senior Terrell Walden scored toward the end of the game. 

Toney and the gang

It’s clear that freshman All-American Malachi Toney will be a starter for the Canes all season, but who will line up beside him on the first play of week one?  

Cooper Barkate, Mensah’s best friend, made a statement to man one of those spots with an impressive showing, and West Virginia Cam Vaughn scored for the Canes to make his case.  Freshman Somourian Wingo, who has shined during spring practices, was in a non-contact jersey, freshman Vance Spafford did score on a short pass, and not much was seen from Joshua Moore, who all will battle for WR2, WR3, and WR4 spots.

Freshman Milan Parris and Vandrevius Jacobs seem to be further along the depth chart, while the tight ends still do not seem to be getting many looks, a trend that continues from last season.

Surprise Omission from O-Line starting five

The first team offensive line consisted of freshman Jackson Cantwell, sixth-year veteran Ryan Rodriguez, and senior Matt McCoy, but what was somewhat of a surprise was the fact that sophomores SJ Alofaituli and Max Buchanan started over fourth-year junior Samson Okunlola. 

Okunlola was considered by many as a five-star talent coming out of high school and came to Miami the same year as Mauigoa.  Mauigoa, of course, is preparing to be a first-round draft pick next week, and Okunlola was in the spring game running with the second team.  

D-Line looks strong

Missouri transfer Damon Wilson seems primed to wreak havoc in the ACC this season.  He consistently beat McCoy on passing downs and on plays with a high motor.  Another strong transfer addition is former Ohio State D-Lineman Jarquez Carter.  The product from Gainesville, FL, adds solid depth to the talented defensive line.

Players Flashing on Defense

Defensive back Omar Thornton seems primed to enter the spot left vacant now by Keionte Scott.  The transfer from Boston College by way of American Heritage Plantation made his presence felt, delivering plenty of solid hits to his teammates.  

Sophomore linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin is in the mix for LB4 or LB3.  Upperclassmen Mohammed Toure and Chase Smith are your projected starters at backer, but Marcelin, along with sophomore Kellen Wiley and junior Cam Pruitt, provide quality depth at the position.  Marcelin was excellent in coverage, dislodging the football from Lyle on a pass over the middle. 

Another defensive back to watch, possibly make some noise on the depth chart, was Jaborree Antoine.  The second-year player and Louisiana native made it difficult for multiple receivers trying to add to their stat line, and could challenge for playing time in the fall.