MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Hurricanes are back at work, opening spring practice after a run to the national championship game last season and now moving forward with a new quarterback and renewed expectations.
But momentum from last season isn’t something head coach Mario Cristobal is ignoring.
“I think everybody knows, the people in the building, that the people that are here now and the work that we do is going to lead to continued progress,” Cristobal said. “And so, yeah, they’ve been chomping at the bit to get out there.”
Even on day one, Cristobal said there is no easing into the work.
“We go, we go, you know, and, and not in a reckless manner, but we’re physical,” he said. “We practice hard.”
The Hurricanes are turning to Duke transfer Darian Mensah at quarterback, marking the third straight year the program has added a signal-caller through the transfer portal. Early on, he’s already drawing praise from teammates.
“A confident dude making whole shot throws, you know,” said defensive back Zechariah Poyser. “A very impressive dude.
“He came like a pro, came here to chill, just ready to work, humble guy, and everybody just ready to roll behind him,” said running back Mark Fletcher Jr.
Fletcher, who opted to forego the 2026 NFL draft, will also return for his senior season.
“It was just the fact I just wanted to come back and play with these guys,” Fletcher said. “This team and I had another opportunity to do it, just, you know, be a true senior, and I wanted to take that opportunity.”
With several leaders from last year’s team headed to the NFL, Cristobal said new players will need to step up.
“Lose your sensitivity because if you are wearing a ‘U,’ whether you’re a coach or a player, at some point in time, you’re going to get your butt chewed out,” he said. “And you’re not gonna like it, and that’s OK. You know, it’s not for any other purpose but to bring something to your attention that’s going to make you better and make the team better and help us win football games.”
The Hurricanes will continue spring practices through April 18, when they will hold their annual spring game. The season opener is scheduled for Sept. 4 against Stanford.
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