QB Mensah, WR Barkate Transfer from Duke to UM

QB Darian Mensah and WR Cooper Barkate have officially transferred from Duke University to the University of Miami, marking a significant development for the Miami Hurricanes football program. Their commitment was announced on Tuesday night, strengthening an already competitive roster.

Transfer Details and Impact

Mensah, recognized as the Atlantic Coast Conference’s most prolific returning quarterback, ranked among the top five nationally in passing yards and touchdown passes. He will replace Carson Beck, who is departing the Hurricanes.

Barkate, his teammate at Duke and the second-most productive wide receiver in the conference, will join Mensah in Miami to enhance the Hurricanes’ receiving corps.

NIL Settlement Clears Path

Mensah’s transfer was facilitated by an out-of-court settlement between him and Duke regarding his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. This agreement resolved a conflict and cleared the way for his move to Miami. Mensah has two years of eligibility remaining but may opt for the professional league after the upcoming season.

Strengthening the Wide Receiver Room

• Barkate joins star receiver Malachi Toney, who ranked fifth nationally with 1,211 receiving yards.
• Barkate himself ranked ninth with 1,106 yards and had 72 receptions last season.
• The Hurricanes also welcome veteran transfers Cam Vaughn (West Virginia) and Vandrevius Jacobs (South Carolina).

The depth of the Miami receiving room is notable, featuring both Barkate and Toney, who were among the top 10 receivers nationally last season.

Statistics and Achievements

• Barkate’s 72 receptions ranked 16th in the FBS.
• His reception average of 15.4 yards was second-best among players with at least 70 receptions.
• Throughout his career, he recorded 113 receptions, 1,742 yards, and 14 touchdowns at Harvard before transferring to Duke.

Hurricanes’ Roster Changes

With the addition of Mensah and Barkate, the Hurricanes have made 13 transfer portal signings this offseason. Key contributors from the previous year have graduated or transferred, which necessitated these changes.

Among the significant departures are key players like Keelan Marion and CJ Daniels. Additional transfers include Jojo Trader and Ny Carr, who have found new teams. Alongside transfer signings, Miami also secured a top-10 recruiting class with 30 incoming freshmen.

Key Portal Additions

• Omar Thornton (nickel cornerback, Boston College)
• Damon Wilson (edge rusher, Missouri)
• Keona Davis (defensive end, Nebraska)
• Jarquez Carter (defensive tackle, Ohio State)
• Jamal Meriweather (offensive tackle/guard, Georgia)
• Jonathan Cline (guard, East Tennessee State)
• Conrad Hussey (safety, FSU and Oregon State)
• Jack Olsen (kicker, Northwestern)
• Jake Weinberg (kicker, FSU)

The Hurricanes aim to leverage these transfers and their promising recruiting class to build a formidable squad for the upcoming season. As the team prepares for the future, both Mensah and Barkate are expected to play pivotal roles in pushing Miami back to the forefront of college football.