Miami's Cristobal Sees Shades of NFL Star in Mensah

Hurricanes coach compares new QB transfer to former No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal sees similarities between new quarterback transfer Darian Mensah and former No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Cam Ward. Mensah, who led Duke to an ACC Championship last season, will now join the Hurricanes and is expected to be one of the top Heisman Trophy contenders in 2026.

Why it matters

Mensah's arrival at Miami gives the Hurricanes a potential superstar quarterback who could help the team return to the College Football Playoff. Cristobal's comparison to Ward, a highly successful pro prospect, suggests Mensah has the talent and potential to elevate Miami's offense to new heights.

The details

Mensah, who transferred to Duke from Tulane prior to the 2025 season, had a standout year for the Blue Devils, throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns. He led Duke to an ACC Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Now, Mensah will join a Miami team that reached the national title game in 2025 before falling to Indiana. Cristobal sees similarities between Mensah and former Incarnate Word star Cam Ward, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.

  • Mensah announced he would enter the transfer portal on Jan. 16, 2026.
  • Mensah and Duke reached a settlement agreement on Jan. 27, 2026, clearing the way for him to join a new program.
  • Mensah is expected to be one of the top Heisman Trophy contenders in the 2026 season.

The players

Darian Mensah

A star quarterback who led Duke to an ACC Championship in 2025 and is now transferring to Miami, where he is expected to be one of the top Heisman Trophy contenders in 2026.

Mario Cristobal

The head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, who sees similarities between Mensah and former No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Cam Ward.

Cam Ward

A former quarterback at Incarnate Word who was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think everybody's so different, but you do try and pick some similarities to make things as analogous as you can, or bring it to life in conversation. I think you see some of (Ward's) game in him. But, he's his own unique player also. Man, he's so accurate. So mobile. On the run, on script, off script, down the field, intermediate, short, quick-game, screen-game, making things happen with his feet. And, he has an incredible personality. That part really hit fast.”

— Mario Cristobal, Head Coach, Miami Hurricanes (on3.com)

What’s next

Mensah is expected to be one of the top Heisman Trophy contenders in the 2026 season as he leads the Miami Hurricanes' offense.

The takeaway

Cristobal's high praise for Mensah and the comparison to the No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Cam Ward suggests the Hurricanes have landed a potential superstar quarterback who could help the team return to the College Football Playoff and contend for a national championship.