Right after the Hurricanes lost to Indiana in the national title game, they were pegged as long shots to come back and win the 2026 national title.
But with the addition of former Duke star quarterback Darian Mensah, Miami’s title odds increased, according to DraftKings.
The day after the national championship, DraftKings listed Miami to win the national title at +2000, making them 20-to-1 long shots. UM was the 11th most likely team to win next season’s championship.
But since Mensah arrived at Miami earlier in the week, the Hurricanes’ title odds have improved to +1500, according to DraftKings. That gives UM a 15-to-1 chance to win the title. Now the Hurricanes are the ninth most likely team to win it all. The Hurricanes have not won a national title since the 2001 season.
Mensah is a major addition for the Hurricanes, giving UM a top quarterback to take over for Carson Beck.
Mensah finished last season with 3,973 passing yards, which was second in the nation. His 34 touchdown passes were tied for second. Mensah had just six interceptions. Pro Football Focus gave him an 84.1 offensive grade with an 85 passing grade. His passing grade was second in the ACC and 12th nationally among quarterbacks with 100 or more dropbacks.
After leading the Blue Devils to their first ACC title since 1989, Mensah was named a second-team All-ACC selection.
