Darian Mensah faces biggest test to date as Miami prepares for Notre Dame without Malachi Toney originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah has emerged as one of college football’s biggest stars, leading the nation in touchdown passes while helping the Hurricanes secure the No. 1 spot in the initial College Football Playoff rankings.
But Saturday’s showdown against the No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish presents his biggest challenge yet.
Mensah will take the field without his top receiver, Malachi Toney, who suffered an ankle injury during Wednesday’s practice and underwent surgery. Toney, who led the nation with 73 receptions and 13 receiving touchdowns, is expected to return later this season.
The significant loss for Miami’s offense could have implications on Mensah’s success. Despite the setback, Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal gave a vote of confidence in Mensah’s preparation and leadership.
“He’s eager to get the ball,” Cristobal said this week. “Enthusiasm, excited, doesn’t flinch, very focused. Just ready, prepared.”
Mensah has been outstanding this season, throwing for 25 touchdown passes while completing 80.7% of his attempts. Those numbers are unheard of in the modern era. That completion percentage would surpass the NCAA single-season record of 77.4%, set by Bo Nix in 2023. Miami also leads the nation in scoring, averaging 46.7 points per game.
The former Duke quarterback’s rise reflects the growing influence of the transfer portal and NIL opportunities in college football. At his third stop, which included Tulane, Mensah joined Miami and established himself as a Heisman Trophy contender. His estimated $6.5 million NIL valuation, according to On3, is the highest in men’s college athletics. His endorsement partners include Dr Pepper, CVS and Sling TV.
Mensah has the important opportunity to impress NFL scouts against the Irish. Despite his impressive numbers, he has faced limited competition against ranked opponents. “I want to see you go up against a more high-profile team,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler told Front Office Sports.
Miami needs another significant victory to boost its playoff resume, while Notre Dame faces considerable pressure. After losing to BYU, the Fighting Irish can’t suffer another loss this season. While they currently sit at No. 11 in the playoff rankings, this is a wide gap despite holding the No. 4 position in the AP Top 25.
The game also carries Heisman implications. With Toney sidelined, Mensah has an opportunity to take a step forward in his candidacy for the nation’s top award. For Miami, the challenge is clear to stay on top. Being able to maintain its offensive dominance without its most productive receiver will be tough. Mensah could be in the midst of his defining performance of his season.
No. 1 Miami faces No. 4 Notre Dame on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC).
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