Miami’s spring game was not a typical four-quarter event, but it still provided fans with a clear glimpse of what the team might look like in 2026.
The day started with drills and situational work before transitioning into limited 11-on-11 action and then a live scrimmage. The event offered a valuable look at several key positions on the roster.
Darian Mensah Shines as the Star of the Day
Mensah was the standout performer of the day. The Duke transfer quarterback threw three touchdown passes during the scrimmage portion. He connected with Cooper Barkate, Daylyn Upshaw, and Cam Vaughn. The throws were well-placed, showcasing his ability to make precise decisions under pressure.
- Barkate caught a 29-yard fade ball outside the numbers.
- Upshaw made a 33-yard catch also on a fade route.
- Vaughn scored on a 5-yard pass in the back of the end zone.
Mensah’s ability to find open receivers and deliver the ball where only they could make a play was evident. Another notable aspect of the day was that none of Miami’s scholarship quarterbacks threw an interception during the spring game.
The Receiver Room Shows Promise
While Malachi Toney was held out of 11-on-11 work and Joshua Moore was sidelined due to an injury, other receivers made their presence felt. Cooper Barkate demonstrated strong timing with Mensah, while Daylyn Upshaw looked fully recovered. Cam Vaughn added a touchdown grab, and Milan Parris had a solid performance.
Freshman slot receiver Vance Spafford also impressed by catching a touchdown from backup quarterback Judd Anderson. This depth at the wide receiver position suggests that Miami may have one of the strongest groups on the roster.
Young Running Backs and Offensive Line Show Potential
With Mark Fletcher limited in the live portion of the game, Miami got a longer look at Javian Mallory and Jordan Lyle. Mallory, a freshman, has been encouraging for head coach Mario Cristobal this spring. The staff has expressed confidence in the running-back room behind Fletcher.
The first-team offensive line performed generally well, though the second group showed inconsistency. One of the most exciting matchups of the day was between Jackson Cantwell and Damion Wilson, who had a back-and-forth battle.
Defensive Standouts Emerge
On the defensive side, Miami was short-handed in some areas, but there were still standout performances. Damon Wilson made an impact when he was on the field, while Justin Scott and Jarquez Carter stood out on the interior. Scott, in particular, was dominant in 1-on-1 drills.
Other defensive players who made an impression include Jordan Campbell, Omar Thornton, JJ Dunnigan, Ja’Boree Antoine, Xavier Lucas, and Brody Jennings. These players showed potential to contribute significantly to the defense in the coming season.
The spring game provided a useful preview of what to expect from Miami in the 2026 season. With strong performances from the quarterback, receivers, running backs, and defensive players, the team appears to be building a solid foundation for the future.
