Can the 2026 Miami Hurricanes Remain Undefeated After Week Four?
The 2026 Miami Hurricanes faced their toughest challenge to date in Week Three when they squared off against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. For Miami, five offensive players got injured, and one linebacker, two players, receiver Joshua Moore, and running back CharMar Brown sustained injuries that will keep them out for the rest of the season. Potential Heisman Trophy candidate receiver Malachi Toney dealt with upper-body discomfort and soreness and should be back for the Hurricanes’ Week Four matchup against the Central Michigan Chippewas, which is great news, as quarterback Darian Mensah and the offense looked sluggish in the second half against Wake Forest. Miami is the sixth-ranked team in the nation and will look to remain undefeated heading into Week Five against Clemson.
Mensah went completed 24 straight passes last week against the Demon Deacons. In his first three games with the Hurricanes, the 21-year-old quarterback has missed just eight pass attempts, which is just insane. After these three games, he surely should be the 2026 Heisman favorite. Mensah has thrived in Miami’s system, and alongside Toney, who’s currently ranked second in the nation with 444 receiving yards through three games, this dynamic duo is ready to take the Hurricanes back to the National Championship. This team should have weapons such as Toney, running back Mark Fletcher Jr., and tight end Elija Loften, all 100% ready to return in this Week Four matchup.
Central Michigan is starting their 2026 season off 2-1, being blown out by New Mexico in Week Zero, then winning back-to-back games against Colgate and Wyoming. The Chippewas defense held Colgate and Wyoming to just 10 points each, and over those past two games, Central Michigan’s defense recorded four interceptions. The offense relies on quarterback Angel Flores more on the ground game than on throwing the ball. Flores has thrown for 89 passing yards while rushing for 285 yards. The 23-year-old will have to out-rush a Miami defense that is looking to step it up after Wake Forest turned it up in the second half.
The biggest key is Miami’s offense and Central Michigan’s defense. For a Chippewas that recorded four interceptions in the past two games, they must continue that trend against a red-hot quarterback like Mensah. Miami’s offense will need to overcome the adversity and stars like Toney, and Fletcher Jr. must play their best games of the season yet. While the Hurricanes QB will look to keep making excellent strides and passes on the field, he cannot afford to make a mistake. Miami has scored 30 or more points in all three games they’ve played this season, and 40 or more points twice; however, against the Chippewas, who have allowed a total of 20 points over two games, the Hurricanes will really need to showcase their offensive strength.
I have Miami winning here, but it won’t be easy. Wake Forest’s offense picked up in the second half in Miami’s Week Three matchup. The Hurricanes cannot afford to deal with a late barrage again. The Chippewas could very well put up more of a fight than the Demon Deacons last week and push the Hurricanes to their limit. Central Michigan is relying on Flores legs and the run game too much, which Miami’s defense has to figure out how to stop him whether that’s the game plan before the matchup or figuring it all out quickly while it’s actually happening. Regardless, I think the Hurricanes take a 24-7 win here.
