Miami Hurricanes Expected to Sign Top ACC QB Darian Mensah and WR Cooper Barkate

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Miami Hurricanes Expected to Sign Top ACC QB Darian Mensah and WR Cooper Barkate

The Miami Hurricanes had a significant season in 2025, finishing with a record of 13-3 and securing their first appearance in the College Football Playoff. They advanced all the way to the national championship game, where they faced the Indiana Hoosiers and ultimately lost 27-21.

The Hurricanes showcased several standout players on offense this season. Quarterback Carson Beck threw for 3,813 yards, completing 30 touchdown passes while tossing 12 interceptions. Running back Mark Fletcher rushed for 1,192 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. Additionally, star freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney recorded 109 catches for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The team will lose Beck for next season due to being out of eligibility, so they are working to reload the roster by potentially adding two top offensive players from the ACC champion Duke Blue Devils.

Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Cooper Barkate (18) catches a pass near the goal line.© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Those players are quarterback Darian Mensah and star wide receiver Cooper Barkate. Both athletes are expected to join Miami, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. Last season, Mensah passed for 3,973 yards, threw 34 touchdown passes and recorded only six interceptions. Meanwhile, Barkate accumulated 1,106 receiving yards and scored seven touchdowns. Both players received recognition as All-ACC second-team selections.

Mensah has been facing a legal issue that prevented him from enrolling at any school due to a dispute over NIL rights with Duke. However, this matter was resolved on Tuesday when both parties reached a settlement agreement.

As for Miami, its 2025 season marked a turning point for the program, proving it could compete on the sport’s biggest stage. The Hurricanes’ offense was one of the most dynamic in the country, but replacing Beck is now the top priority as they attempt to sustain that momentum into 2026.

Landing Mensah would give Miami another proven quarterback with championship experience, while adding Barkate would immediately add to a loaded wide receiver room featuring Toney. Their familiarity with ACC competition could also ease the transition and accelerate offensive continuity.

If both transfers are finalized, Miami would once again demonstrate its ability to reload rather than rebuild. With the roster still loaded with young talent, the Hurricanes would enter the 2026 season as a legitimate national contender and a program determined to finish what it started last year.

Related: Mario Cristobal, Miami Receive Darian Mensah Update Amid NIL Dispute

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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