UM's Darian Mensah Named on Manning Award Preseason Watch List
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MIAMI, Fla. – Miami Hurricanes star Darian Mensah was named to the Manning Award preseason watch list, announced on Monday, annually presented to the nation’s top quarterback in January, after the College Football Playoffs and bowl season.
The 21-year-old transferred to Coral Gables this spring, following a remarkable year at Duke. He led the Atlantic Coast Conference by throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns. Despite the Blue Devils finishing with a 7-5 overall record, the team went 6-2 in ACC play, then won the conference title with a 27-20 win in overtime over Virginia.
Mensah came to “The U” seeking a greater challenge. The Hurricanes were coming off a program’s best 13-3 season, including a trip to the National Championship game. Despite falling short, it marked a successful turnaround under Mario Cristobal’s leadership. However, the search for a new quarterback became an instant, desperate need.
Just before the deadline, Mensah entered the portal and kept the Hurricanes’ championship pursuit for the upcoming season alive. He joins a situation with great potential. Mensah has a wide receiver room that consists of Malachi Toney, Cooper Barkate (Duke teammate), Joshua Moore, Daylyn Upshaw, Vandrevius Jacobs, Somourian Wingo, and Vance Spafford.
Given the accuracy reputation, the Hurricanes could have one of the more explosive offenses in the nation. Mensah is among the best deep-ball quarterbacks returning to college football this upcoming season. When he’s not passing, the backfield supporting cast has a solid background.
Local star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. returns for a senior season. Backing him up will be CharMar Brown, Girard Pringle Jr., and freshman Javion Mallory.
Mensah received several other preseason watch list honors:
– ACC Preseason Player of the Year
– ACC Preseason All-ACC team (QB)
– Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List
– Walter Camp Award Preseason Watch List
– Davey O’Brien Award Preseason Watch List
Mensah has been named an early candidate for the Heisman Trophy. The expectations could not be any greater. Mensah has the supporting cast and talent to deliver the Hurricanes another historic season.
Other Power Four candidates for the Manning Award:
– BYU’s Bear Bachmeier (sophomore)
– North Carolina State’s CJ Bailey (junior)
– UCF’s Alonza Barnett (senior)
– Penn State’s Rocco Becht (senior)
– Auburn’s Byrum Brown (senior)
– Notre Dame’s CJ Carr (junior)
– Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss (senior)
– Nebraska’s Anthony Colandrea (senior)
– Utah’s Devon Dampier (senior)
– Duke’s Walker Eget (senior)
– Cincinnati JC French (senior)
– Arizona’s Noah Fifita (senior)
– Pitt’s Mason Heintschel (sophomore)
– Indiana’s Josh Hoover (senior)
– Illinois’ Katin Houser (senior)
– SMU’s Kevin Jennings (senior)
– Wisconsin’s Colton Joseph (junior)
– Cal’s Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutete (sophomore)
– LSU’s Sam Leavitt (junior)
– Minnesota’s Drake Lindsey (junior)
– USC’s Jayden Maiava (senior)
– Texas’ Arch Manning (senior)
– Oklahoma’s John Mateer (senior)
– Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker (sophomore)
– Oregon’s Dante Moore (senior)
– Iowa State’s Jaylen Raynor (senior)
– Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed (junior)
– Ohio State’s Julian Sayin (sophomore)
– South Carolina’s LaNorris Seller (junior)
– Georgia’s Gunner Stockton (senior)
– Michigan’s Bryce Underwood (sophomore)
– Houston’s Connor Weigman (senior)
– Washington’s Demond Williams (junior)
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: alexagmu@gmail.com & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
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