Keller’s Korner: Miami Hurricanes Off To A Dominant Start — And Their Fans Believe This Is the Year

A Perfect Start

As of Thursday, October 1st, 2026, the Hurricanes are undefeated and ranked #4 in the AP Poll. Through four games, Miami has outscored its opponents 207 to 36, a staggering margin that reflects dominance on both sides of the ball.

Quarterback Darian Mensah, who transferred from Duke University, has been sensational. Mensah has completed 94 of 106 passes, an astounding 88.7% completion rate—the highest in the nation. His accuracy and poise have transformed Miami’s offense into one of the most efficient units in college football.

Next Man Up

Football is a game of injuries, and Miami has suffered two major losses: running back CharMar “Marty” Brown and wide receiver Joshua Moore are out for the season. As Coach Mario Cristobal often says, “next man up.”

Fortunately, the Hurricanes have depth. Offensive weapons Mark Fletcher, Javian Mallory, Chris Wheatley‑Humphrey, Malachi Toney, and Cooper Barkate give Mensah plenty of options. Many experts consider Malachi Toney one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the country.

On the sideline, fans will spot NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, Miami’s defensive ends coach. And another Hall of Famer—Michael Irvin—is often the team’s loudest cheerleader, firing up players just as he did during his legendary Hurricanes career in the 1980's. Michael is a huge fan of Coach Mario Cristobal and boldly predicted "I think Miami will go undefeated this season,"

What the Fans Are Saying?

Paul Frishman — Miami Beach JCC CEO

During the day, Paul Frishman is the CEO of the Miami Beach JCC and has been involved in the Jewish community for 41 years. Off hours, he is a die‑hard Hurricanes fan with season tickets alongside his wife Karen.

Paul holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from UM and once served as Sports Director for WVUM. His favorite Miami memory?

“Covering the first ever national championship in 1983. We had a big win in the Orange Bowl over Nebraska.”

He added, “It was a pleasure to broadcast the football championships along with two baseball titles.” Paul ended with a smile: “We are a huge Canes family!!”

Harrison Steinberg — UM Sophomore, AEPi

Harrison, a sophomore majoring in Broadcast Journalism, was decked out head‑to‑toe in Miami gear when I met him. “I come to every game. I was at the national championship game against Indiana,” he said. “If Indiana did not block that punt, we would have won the game.”

Harrison also gave lineup opinions and confidently declared, “This is our year.” 

Note: Miami gives free tickets and shuttle rides to students since the Canes do not play in Coral Gables.

Evan Minsky — UM Sophomore, AEPi

Evan, a Civil Engineering major from Long Island, also attends every game.

“We look really good. The offense is amazing and Mensah is great. I love football and come to every game.”

Laurie Shelton — Dedicated Fan and UM Parent

Laurie drove from central Palm Beach County to see the Canes—and her daughter, who attends UM. She volunteers at the ALS Center on campus.

How far can Miami go?

“We can go to the finals just like last year.”

Bonnie Kaplan — Super Fan

Bonnie Kaplan is the definition of a super fan. She wore a Miami shirt, bracelet, earrings, and even school‑colored nails and socks. A UM graduate and season ticket holder for ten years, Bonnie is confident:

“The Miami Hurricanes will go all the way.”

While at UM, Bonnie was a social chair at Hillel and helped organize “major parties with Y‑100.” Her favorite players are Robert Bailey, Randal ‘Thrill’ Hill and Michael Irvin.

Debbie Caroccio — Lifelong Cane

Debbie has had season tickets with Bonnie for ten years—but her fandom goes back even further.

“I also had season tickets when we played at the Orange Bowl.”

A UM graduate in marketing and former President of the UM alumni club, Debbie helped raise funds for high school students considering Miami.

Her prediction? “Miami will go all the way. No doubt.”

Seth Clarin — Palmetto High School Student

Seth, an intern photographer for CanesSport, was on the field capturing photos of the Hurricanes. A great opportunity- for a young enthusiast. Seth took photos at the games in 2026 and this season. Seth is always looking to cover other sports events..

“The most exciting thing I love about taking photos is not knowing what I am going to get until I take the photos. I love to capture the moment. I get to see up close these great athletes.”

Lee Anofraew — International Cane

Lee, originally from Belarus and Israel, now lives in South Florida. She attended the game with her brother and told me:

“I am a big Miami fan, and they will go very far.”

The Hurricanes have talent, depth, coaching, and momentum—but they also have something just as important: a passionate fan base that believes this is the year. With Mario Cristobal at the helm and Darian Mensah leading the offense, Miami’s path back to the championship looks promising.

Neil Keller can be found at: www.NeilKeller.com.

Photo Credit: Lori Regent