Last season, the Hurricanes fielded one of the best teams in the country. Three UM players were taken in the first round of the draft. But only one player, Rueben Bain Jr., won a national, individual award — Bain won the Ted Hendricks Award, which goes to the nation’s top defensive end.
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This year’s team is loaded with talent as well. With more of a spotlight on the Hurricanes after last year’s playoff run, several other players could bring home some hardware.
This is not a prediction or expectation, but all of these players are capable of winning awards.
Damon Wilson II, Ted Hendricks Award
The Ted Hendricks Award is named for a Hurricanes great, so maybe a Miami player can win for the second year in a row. Wilson had a breakout year for Missouri last season, notching nine sacks. He was a second-team All-SEC selection.
It is not a stretch to think that Wilson could improve after an offseason of being coached by UM defensive line coach Jason Taylor, who helped shape Bain and Akheem Mesidor into first-round picks. Wilson can be a disruptive force on the edge and contend for this award.
Ahmad Moten Sr, Outland Trophy
Taylor said in the spring that Moten could compete for any award available to defensive linemen. The Cardinal Gibbons alum had a strong 2025 campaign and is poised for a big season this year.
Moten is considered one of the top defensive tackles in the nation, and he was picked for multiple preseason All-American teams and watch lists. Offensive lines won’t be able to focus only on him, as fellow defensive tackle Justin Scott is also poised for a strong season.
The Outland Trophy goes to the top interior offensive or defensive lineman, and Moten could win that award.
Bryce Fitzgerald, Jim Thorpe Award
Fitzgerald was the Hurricanes’ breakout freshman defender, leading the team (and finishing second nationally) with six interceptions. This year, he is expected to play a huge role in UM’s defense.
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Fitzgerald could line up at nickelback or at safety, and he said he is comfortable playing both. Fitzgerald could excel at either.
The UM sophomore is on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list (the award goes to the nation’s best defensive back) and was a preseason All-ACC pick.
Mark Fletcher Jr., Doak Walker Award
Fletcher introduced himself to the rest of the college football world in the playoffs, rushing for a College Football Playoff record 507 yards in four playoff games. He opted to return for his senior year, and now he leads a talented Miami running back group.
Fletcher set career-highs with 1,192 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last year. The preseason AP All-American could match or exceed those numbers this year, which would put him in contention for the award for the nation’s top running back.
Malachi Toney, Fred Biletnikoff Award
Toney took the country by storm last year with his excellent freshman season. He racked up 1,211 receiving yards on 109 catches, both of which were Miami program records. He caught 10 touchdowns. Toney also ran for 113 yards and a touchdown, and he threw for 82 yards and two scores.
Toney is widely considered one of the nation’s top wide receivers, and he was a preseason AP All-American. Toney will have stiff competition for this award, which goes to the nation’s best receiver, but he is capable of winning it.
Darian Mensah, Heisman Trophy
The Hurricanes have not had a Heisman winner since Gino Toretta won the award in 1992. Is Mensah the one who brings the iconic trophy back to Coral Gables?
Mensah currently has the third-best odds to win the award, according to FanDuel. He is coming off an excellent season at Duke, where he won an ACC title and was second in the nation in passing yards and passing touchdowns. The veteran quarterback has a wide variety of talented skill players around him, including Fletcher, Toney and 1,000-yard receiver Cooper Barkate.
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