Former Georgia QB and ESPN Analyst Aaron Murray Names Darian Mensah His Early Heisman Favorite
2 min read
The hype surrounding Miami quarterback Darian Mensah continues to grow, and now one of college football’s most accomplished former quarterbacks has joined the conversation.
Appearing on The Kelly & Eric Show, former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray didn’t hesitate when asked who he believes is the frontrunner for the 2026 Heisman Trophy.
“If I had to pick a favorite to win the Heisman, it would probably be Darian Mensah right now. I just think he is that good.”
Coming from the SEC’s former career passing leader, that’s a statement that carries plenty of weight. Murray has watched elite quarterback play for years, and he believes Mensah has everything it takes to become college football’s next superstar.
After transferring to Miami this offseason, Mensah enters Coral Gables with sky-high expectations. He’s stepping into Shannon Dawson’s offense surrounded by one of the nation’s most talented groups of skill players, giving him an opportunity to put up the kind of numbers that can keep him in the Heisman conversation all season long.
Those expectations are backed by what he accomplished a year ago at Duke. In 2025, Mensah completed 334 of 500 passes (66.8%) for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, leading the Blue Devils to an ACC Championship while earning All-ACC honors and conference title game MVP recognition.
If Mensah can build on those numbers in Miami’s offense, Aaron Murray’s prediction may end up right and we all are hoping so.
Appearing on The Kelly & Eric Show, former Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray didn’t hesitate when asked who he believes is the frontrunner for the 2026 Heisman Trophy.
“If I had to pick a favorite to win the Heisman, it would probably be Darian Mensah right now. I just think he is that good.”
Coming from the SEC’s former career passing leader, that’s a statement that carries plenty of weight. Murray has watched elite quarterback play for years, and he believes Mensah has everything it takes to become college football’s next superstar.
After transferring to Miami this offseason, Mensah enters Coral Gables with sky-high expectations. He’s stepping into Shannon Dawson’s offense surrounded by one of the nation’s most talented groups of skill players, giving him an opportunity to put up the kind of numbers that can keep him in the Heisman conversation all season long.
Those expectations are backed by what he accomplished a year ago at Duke. In 2025, Mensah completed 334 of 500 passes (66.8%) for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, leading the Blue Devils to an ACC Championship while earning All-ACC honors and conference title game MVP recognition.
If Mensah can build on those numbers in Miami’s offense, Aaron Murray’s prediction may end up right and we all are hoping so.
