Brief

Miami Hurricanes sweep AP midseason ACC honors

Coach Mario Cristobal, quarterback Darian Mensh and receiver Malachi Toney each earned an Associated Press midseason award as Miami stays the ACC's only unbeaten team.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 14 Oct 2026 23:33:44 GMT

As the college football season reaches its midpoint, the Associated Press announced its midseason Atlantic Coast Conference honors, awarding Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney for their performances.

What happened

The AP’s midseason awards recognized three Hurricanes figures. Cristobal received the top‑coach award, Mensah was named the conference’s top quarterback, and Toney earned top‑offensive‑player honors. The Hurricanes, ranked third nationally, are the ACC’s only undefeated team and the sole program in the top‑20 of the AP poll. Miami entered the award announcements with a 5‑0 record and a chance to claim its first ACC title.

What the reports add

The article notes that Cristobal, who took over the program before the 2022 season, has guided Miami to a deep playoff run that ended with a title‑game loss to Indiana last year. His current record positions him to join a select group of coaches—Jimmy Johnson, Dennis Erickson and Larry Coker—who have posted three straight double‑digit win seasons. Mensah’s season includes a standout performance against Clemson on Oct. 3, while Toney’s early‑season numbers feature 234 receiving yards, three touchdowns and a fourth‑nation ranking with 120.8 yards per game.

What was said

The Associated Press piece quotes no individual statements; all information is presented as factual reporting of the awards and season statistics.

How it came about

Miami’s rise follows a “slow build” under Cristobal, highlighted in the source’s description of the coach’s tenure. After a playoff appearance last season, the Hurricanes have maintained momentum, entering the midseason awards as the ACC’s sole unbeaten squad and a top‑20 national contender.

Key facts

Miami is the ACC's only undefeated team and the only program in the AP top‑20. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Mario Cristobal won the AP top‑coach award for the ACC. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Quarterback Darian Mensah received the AP top‑quarterback award for the ACC. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Wide receiver Malachi Toney was named the AP top‑offensive‑player for the ACC. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Toney ranks fourth nationally with 120.8 receiving yards per game. (winnipegfreepress.com)