Head coach Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes are 44 days away from kicking off the 2026-27 college football season in Stanford, California. They will face multiple top quarterbacks in the Atlantic Coast Conference, as the highly anticipated Hurricanes defense will get tested this season.

Here today on CanesInSight, we are taking a look at the top-three quarterbacks Miami will face this season.

CJ Carr | Notre Dame

Notre Dame starting sophomore quarterback CJ Carr is expected to be one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy this season. Last off-season, he won the quarterback battle against Kenny Minchey--who is now the starting quarterback for the Kentucky Wildcats. Carr's first college game came against Miami last season, falling short, 27-24.

During the 2025-26 season, he recorded a total of 2,741 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions. The two teams will clash during Week 10 in South Bend, Indiana.



Mason Heintschel | Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Heintschel is another rising sophomore the Hurricanes will face. During ACC Media Days, head coach Pat Narduzzi stated there were rumors that Miami head coach Mario Cristobal had tampered with Heintschel to get him to join Miami. Who knows if that is true.

Heintschel will see Miami in Week 8. During the 2025-26 season, he faced the Hurricanes when they were proving to the College Football Playoff that they deserved to be in the field. Miami dominated Heintschel and the Panthers offense only holding them to seven points.

During his lone season with the Panthers, he led them to an overall record of 8-5. He recorded a total of 2,354 passing yards and 16 touchdowns.



Ethan Grunkemeyer | Virginia Tech

New Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin takes over the job after having an unsuccessful season at Penn State. He brings over his starting quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer to lead the Hokies out on the field.

Grunkemeyer stepped up and took over the starting spot at Penn State after Drew Allar performed poorly. He played in 10 games, recording a total of 1,339 passing yards, eight touchdowns, while throwing four interceptions. The Hokies and the Hurricanes will clash during Week 12.

 

Cal, UL, NC State. SMU

I think ACC has as many maybe more quality QBs than the other conferences. We just don’t play any of the above teams.

 

Cal, UL, NC State. SMU

I think ACC has as many maybe more quality QBs than the other conferences. We just don’t play any of the above teams.

I could see ul or smu making the ACCCG.

 

I could see ul or smu making the ACCCG.

Agree. Was listening to Donno and he not only hosts Locked in Canes but also co-hosts Locked in ACC so he gets intel on the other conference teams. The UL guys think they’ve struck gold with their QB a former backup at Taint. And not only does SMU have Jennings back, Donno said their OL is among the best in the conference. And of course then there is JKS at Cal who is special, and CJ who will be throwing to Jojo again at NCS.

 

Agree. Was listening to Donno and he not only hosts Locked in Canes but also co-hosts Locked in ACC so he gets intel on the other conference teams. The UL guys think they’ve struck gold with their QB a former backup at Taint. And not only does SMU have Jennings back, Donno said their OL is among the best in the conference. And of course then there is JKS at Cal who is special, and CJ who will be throwing to Jojo again at NCS.

Ncst will be good but not great
Cal will score but they lost some key players on D so I don’t expect them to be great.
SMU, UL, GT, and Clemson are the group I expect to challenge for the acc.

 

I would add Gio Lopez to that list.

Mainly due to his potential threat as a runner.

PTSD has me worried about that game. Friday night in September. Hopefully goes similarly to that usf game with brown and co 41-10 or whatever it wss

 

PTSD has me worried about that game. Friday night in September. Hopefully goes similarly to that usf game with brown and co 41-10 or whatever it wss

We'll destroy Wake Forrest.