CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney were named semifinalists for the 2026 Maxwell Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Tuesday.
The Hurricanes duo is among 18 semifinalists for the prestigious award, presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football. Miami is one of four ACC programs represented on the list.
Mensah has established himself as one of the nation's top quarterbacks in his first season with the Hurricanes. The junior leads the nation with an 89.1 ESPN Total QBR and ranks second nationally with 28 passing touchdowns. Through nine games, Mensah has completed 76.8% of his passes for 2,694 yards and 28 touchdowns against just two interceptions.
The San Luis Obispo, Calif., native has thrown at least three touchdown passes in eight of Miami's nine games this season, highlighted by a five-touchdown performance in the season opener at Stanford. Mensah has also earned ACC Quarterback of the Week recognition and was named a Manning Award Star of the Week following his four-touchdown performance against Pitt.
Toney has continued his record-setting career with another standout season for the Hurricanes. The sophomore wide receiver has totaled 73 receptions for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns through eight games, ranking among the national leaders in each category.
The Liberty City, Fla., native has recorded five 100-yard receiving performances this season, highlighted by a 234-yard, three-touchdown effort against Stanford and a school-record 16 receptions for 194 yards and three touchdowns against Pitt. Toney has earned Associated Press National Player of the Week honors twice this season, along with recognition from the Walter Camp Football Foundation and multiple ACC weekly accolades.
The Maxwell Award, now in its 90th year, has recognized college football's outstanding player annually since 1937. Three finalists for the 2026 award will be announced Nov. 24, with the winner revealed during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11.
Miami returns to Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14, to host the defending ACC Champion Duke Blue Devils. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET, with coverage on ABC.
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