Miami, Florida – The Miami Hurricanes played their first Saturday game of the season, handling business in a 52-3 rout of the Central Michigan Chippewas. Sixth-ranked UM was the last FBS team to do so, staying unbeaten in a lopsided contest while multiple players, including Mark Fletcher Jr., dealt with injuries. Although Miami is short-handed at several positions, the team’s next-man-up mentality has created new opportunities. That was certainly the case for running back Chris Wheatley-Humphrey. The redshirt sophomore made the most of his opportunity, rushing for 104 yards on 11 carries, scoring his first career touchdown.
Now that's making the most of your opportunity.#GoCanespic.twitter.com/fEwmphBwVx
— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 27, 2026
Up 45-3 in the fourth quarter, Wheatley-Humphrey broke free for a 35-yard score, eventually surpassing the 100-yard mark. Darian Mensah continued his elite form, completing 23 of 27 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns, with a fourth on the ground. Canes star Malachi Toney recorded another 100-yard game, hauling in six receptions for 120 yards and a TD. On the other side of the ball, the Hurricanes dominated the Chippewas, holding them to 158 total yards. Central Michigan’s rushers got nowhere, recording a mere 21 yards.
Defense everywhere! pic.twitter.com/I8d2yEzZYQ
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) September 26, 2026
The defense also racked up four sacks, half of those by Marquise Lightfoot, and three takeaways. Lightfoot also added a forced fumble. Central Michigan got on the board first with a 49-yard field goal, but the Canes would score 52 unanswered points. Javian Mallory opened up the attack with a four-yard rushing TD, part of a 30-yard performance. Mensah then threw touchdown passes to Daylyn Upshaw, Cooper Barkate, and Malachi Toney before taking one himself.
Quick strike for six more 👏
📺: The CW pic.twitter.com/7Hp7RTwD9s
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 26, 2026
Miami led 35-3 at halftime and kept on going. The contest marked Jordan Lyle’s return after serving an early-season suspension. Lyle fumbled at the goal line during the third quarter, but Jamal Meriweather recovered it for the TD. He had six carries for 16 yards. Jake Weinberg added a late 33-yard field goal. The Hurricanes improve to 4-0 and will travel to Death Valley to face Clemson.
Impressions
14 TOUCHDOWNS. 12 INCOMPLETIONS.
Since 2004, over 2,900 quarterbacks have made 50+ pass attempts across their team's first 4 games in a season.
Darian Mensah is the only one of that bunch with more Pass TD than incompletions. pic.twitter.com/sRNyAF3sYa
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) September 27, 2026
No surprises here. The Hurricanes did exactly what was expected, digging into their depth chart in hopes that Mark Fletcher Jr. and others would be ready for the Clemson Tigers next weekend. Barkate was more active, catching four passes for 47 yards. Vandrevius Jacobs caught three passes for 43 yards, while Elija Lofton added two catches for 38 yards. Girard Pringle Jr. also saw action, rushing for 38 yards. Luke Nickel played with the game already decided, completing four of seven passes for 33 yards. Like Upshaw, Somourian Wingo and Vance Spafford managed two receptions each for 28 and 18 yards, respectively. Daylyn, for his part, recorded 31.
Miami should move up after No. 4 Ole Miss lost to No. 21 Florida and No. 5 Indiana struggled against Northwestern. Regardless, all eyes are on the primetime battle with Clemson.
About Post Author
More Stories
FIU vs FAU Men’s Basketball Matchup Announced
Albert “Al” Lorenzo Inducted to FIU Athletics Hall of Fame
Michele O’Brien Inducted into FIU Athletics Hall of Fame