Preseason All-ACC team selections were announced Wednesday evening, and the Miami Hurricanes were well represented. Seven UM players received the all-conference honors and took up 10 spots, the most of any program.
Headlining the list is transfer quarterback Darian Mensah, who was named the ACC Football Preseason Player of the Year. He received 97 of 188 votes, finishing 72 votes ahead of the runner-up, SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings. Mensah is the second Miami quarterback in three years to receive the honor, with Cam Ward being recognized in 2024.
Miami marks Mensah’s third landing spot in as many seasons, as the junior spent his freshman season at Tulane and last year with the Duke Blue Devils. He had a successful campaign with Duke last season, throwing for 3,973 yards — which ranked second among college quarterbacks — and 34 touchdowns. His transfer is a crucial one for the Hurricanes as he looks to fill the hole left by Carson Beck.
Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and wide receiver Malachi Toney were two more expected names on the list. Fletcher embarks on his fourth season with the Hurricanes, and last year was a standout one for the senior. The Fort Lauderdale native rushed for 1,192 yards on 216 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per run. Those numbers, along with his 12 touchdowns, were all career highs for him. He received 127 votes, and Louisville’s Isaac Brown received 94 in the second running back spot.
Toney’s nearly unmatched rookie year earned him more than one spot on the preseason team. The Miami native received recognition as a wide receiver, all-purpose player and specialist. In his first collegiate campaign, Toney posted 109 receptions — good for first in the league — for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns.
To round out the offensive selections, Samson Okunlola also earned preseason honors, receiving 53 votes at guard.
On the defensive side, Miami boasts three selections. Defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. earned 126 votes, the second-most votes among the defensive selections.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Toure received 64 votes at linebacker. He led the Hurricanes last season with 84 tackles. Safety Bryce Fitzgerald finished off the list of recognized players, earning 86 votes. Fitzgerald posted a team-high six interceptions for Miami last season in his freshman campaign, also earning Freshman All-America honors.
The selections only give Miami’s crew more confidence with its season opener against the Stanford Cardinal coming on Sept. 4.