The Miami Hurricanes football team began its spring practice on Mar. 24, just over two months after concluding a 16-game season that ended with an appearance in the College Football Playoff Championship Game.
The return to the field marks a key moment for the Hurricanes as they aim to build on last season’s achievements and integrate new players into their system. With some veterans undergoing modified offseason conditioning to recover from the longer schedule, health was prioritized ahead of this year’s practices.
Head coach Mario Cristobal said after Tuesday’s opening session, “I don’t think momentum [has] ever stopped since even year one going into year two. And the way things ended [last season], I think everybody knows – the people in this building, that are here now – that the work we do is going to lead to continued progress. So, yeah, they’ve been chomping at the bit to get out there.”
Veteran players like running back Mark Fletcher Jr., safety Zechariah Poyser, and offensive linemen Ryan Rodriguez and Matt McCoy are helping set expectations for newcomers. Fletcher said, “2025 is over with, that quick. It’s over with. This is a new team, new people and it’s a better mindset… We’re just trying to get those freshmen guys acclimated… We’re just showing them the way Miami does it.” Rodriguez added praise for both freshmen and transfers: “They have a good work ethic… They know the standard and they’re great kids… I’m excited to see all of them grow.”
Among those expected to make an immediate impact is quarterback Darian Mensah, who transferred from Duke after finishing second nationally in passing yards last season. Cristobal described Mensah as “A complete professional,” citing his command of the offense and positive influence on teammates: “People gravitate to him… I think he’s another galvanizing agent.” Rodriguez also drew comparisons between Mensah and former Miami quarterbacks Cam Ward—now with the Tennessee Titans—and Carson Beck.
Looking ahead, Cristobal emphasized mastering systems and fundamentals during spring practice: “You want to really master our systems and… play snap to whistle like all day… This team… has work to do but [is] excited about the work to be done.” Fletcher concluded by saying he was ready for what comes next: “But this is what we do, and I’m just ready to go back to work.”
