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A Hurricane heartbreak: Losing the national championship

Madison Block
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A Hurricane heartbreak: Losing the national championship

As red and white confetti burst from the cannons and began to fall following the national championship game, I realized the celebration had officially started. But it wasn’t for us.

It’s been almost two weeks since the loss, and it still hurts.

For many UM faculty, students, alumni and Miami natives, the loss wasn’t just a regular football game, it was an emotional closing and heartbreak shared by thousands.

In the last two minutes of the game, time itself seemed to slow down.

Miami prevented Indiana from scoring a crucial touchdown. Indiana ended their possession with a field goal, boosting the score to 27-21, which would unfortunately be the last points scored during the game.

Miami got a hold of the ball, and with 1:30 left, it seemed that all hope wasn’t lost. Each first down had the Miami crowd erupting, but many began to hold their breath — myself included.

A crucial catch from CJ Daniels pushed Miami to an important first down, but time was running out. Less than one minute was left for the Canes to make history. After ending the infamous Fiesta Bowl curse and pulling off other last-minute wins this season like against Ole Miss, it felt like the Hurricanes were destined to emerge victorious in this game too. 

I could practically taste the confetti. With 51 seconds left, Miami’s student section was so tense, no one moved a muscle.

Everyone was on their feet. Phones were out and hearts were pounding. People began grabbing strangers, reassuring each other that we would win the game. At that moment, we all shared one common trait — being a Hurricane.

I could already see the parades, the parties, the state-wide celebration and even the small chance that all classes would be canceled the next day. I saw a win that would prove to the sports world that the “U” had finally returned to glory.

But then came the last play of the game.

With a first down and less than a minute left, Carson Beck scrambled to find someone. When the ball left his hands, it was like the world held its breath and everything was moving in slow motion.

When I saw a player in a red jersey catch the ball, a pain hit my chest, and I came back to reality. It was like getting the wind knocked out of you. A single interception had just ended our season and our hopes at a 2026 national championship win.

Most of Miami’s student section rushed out of the stadium within seconds of the catch. Not only a feeling of sadness, but a feeling of embarrassment washed over me. A painful, public, beatdown at home that was watched by millions.

As thousands of Miami fans fled our home stadium, Indiana fans stayed behind, relishing in a historic moment for their community.

I finally realized our historic run was over, and that I did, in fact, have class tomorrow. 

So, even though Miami didn’t get the parade, the confetti or the trophy, we made history, and I gained a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will talk about for years.

I got to see thousands of UM alumni return to Miami and support the community. I even spoke with a 2004 graduate who experienced a similar loss in 2002. We swapped stories about campus, and laughed about things that only a Hurricane would understand. 

Now, with a new quarterback and several returning players, ‘Canes fans are hoping for a continued legacy of success in the seasons to come.

Miami WBB falls 74-58 to No. 20 Duke in Thursday night showdown

Bella Armstrong
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Miami WBB falls 74-58 to No. 20 Duke in Thursday night showdown

The Miami women’s basketball team fell to No. 20 Duke 74-58 Thursday night at the Watsco Center, in a game defined by early Duke offensive action and an emotional celebration of legendary UM Head Coach Katie Meier.

The matchup marked Miami’s first home game since Jan. 11 and doubled as a celebration of Meier, the program’s winningest coach, who led Miami to its first Elite 8 bid in 2023. It was a night of celebrating players, too, with Amarachi Kimpson being honored for her 1,000th career point and Ra Shaya Kyle, who was recognized for her 1,500th career points — one of only twelve ‘Canes to do so.

Entering the night at 12-8 overall and 4-5 in ACC play, the Hurricanes looked to build off a dramatic comeback road win at SMU against a ranked Duke team.

Miami leaned heavily on guard play throughout the night, with Ra Shaya Kyle scoring a commanding 21 points and Gal Raviv with 16 points, setting the tone offensively. The Hurricanes showed resilience, but even with flashes of offensive brilliance, they struggled to challenge Duke’s height and scoring prowess. 

Duke controlled the opening tip and set the tone early. Miami Junior Amarachi Kimpson grabbed the first rebound of the game, but it was Miami’s Ra Shaya Kyle who scored within the first 30 seconds to give the Hurricanes a quick 2-0 lead. Duke settled into man-to-man defense, and shortly after, the Blue Devils began offensively overpowering the ‘Canes.

Ashlon Jackson knocked down a three-pointer to extend Duke’s lead to 7-2 before Kimpson answered with a three of her own, cutting it to 7-5. Duke continued to control the pace throughout the first quarter, ultimately stretching the lead to 19-7 before Miami cut it to 19-9. Duke responded once more, pushing the lead to 21-9.

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor/ Sophomore Guard Ahnay Adams celebrates against Duke on Juanuary 29, 2026.

Raviv and Kyle shone bright during the second quarter, with Kyle making her first free throw and scoring three baskets in a row for a total of seven points and Raviv playing aggressive defense, making the Blue Devils scrap for every point. 

After intense action up and down the court, the Hurricanes trailed behind the Blue Devils 39-23 going into halftime. 

The third quarter witnessed an exhilarating resurgence for the Hurricanes who collectively scored an impressive 27 points, but the Blue Devils still maintained a 55-50 lead. Compared to Duke’s 14 new points on the board, Miami seemed to be gaining speed ahead of the fourth quarter. 

Miami Center Ra Shaya Kyle said “trusting our teammates, trusting in what we do every day [and] play[ing] hard the whole time” was critical to their fantastic third quarter performance.

“They competed at a higher level than we did [in the third quarter],” said Duke Head Coach Kara Lawson post-game. “We were making errors on our side of the coverage, and they made us pay for it.”

The question on everyone’s mind going into that final quarter was, will the Hurricanes be able to undo the damage done by the Blue Devils in the first two?

Unfortunately for Miami, Duke regained composure and controlled the scoreboard until the final buzzer. An eight minute scoring drought ensured the Hurricanes would not be able to take the lead, despite their third quarter comeback. And with two critical late three-pointers from Duke’s Jordan Wood, the Blue Devils never faltered.

Miami came knocking, but Duke shut the door in its face. Even with powerhouse performances from Kyle, Raviv, and Okolo, the Hurricanes simply couldn’t catch up to the Blue Devils who seemed to be two steps ahead of them all game. 

With 23 points on the board and 11 rebounds by the end of the night, Duke’s Toby Fournier was a formidable opponent on the court. Taina Mair and Jordan Wood were also star-studded, bringing 18 and 12 points to the table, respectively. 

“Toby is one of the best players in the conference and one of the best players in the country,” said Coach Lawson. “She is so undervalued nationally for what she does night in and night out. When you look at the top forwards in the country, she’s right there in the mix.” 

But despite this loss, the Hurricanes look to the games ahead with strategic optimism. 

“This is the first year for several of these players to play together,” said Miami Head Coach Tricia Cullop. “We don’t have any consistency from last year, so any game you see us starting to gel is a good game.”

“If we can persevere and continue to get better, the best is ahead of us,” Coach Cullop continued. 

Miami will return to Watsco Center Sunday, Feb. 1 at 2:00 p.m. to host Syracuse. 

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor/ Long time Women’s Basketball coach Katie Meier’s banner was unveiled on Juanuary 29, 2026.

Hurricanes MBB fight to the end, defeat Stanford 79-70

Zach Cohen
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Hurricanes MBB fight to the end, defeat Stanford 79-70

As Red Panda dazzled the crowd with an acrobatic halftime performance on a unicycle, Miami displayed a spirited performance of its own when the game mattered most. 

Miami beat the Stanford Cardinal 79-70 on Wednesday night at the Watsco Center. 

The game was defined by runs and Miami made the last push to seal the game. 

Down 56-53 inching back into the game with just under seven minutes left in regulation, freshman guard Dante Allen hoisted up a straightaway three pointer. It swished straight through the net and Miami tied the game at 56.

The packed student section turned into a frenzy for the first time all night, rejuvenating life into the building. 

A pair of high flying alleyoop dunks by freshman forward Shelton Henderson and senior Ernest Udeh Jr made the crowd explode. Miami went on a 12-2 run and with 1:20 left on the clock led 71-61. 

First year head coach Jai Lucas decided to plug in freshman Guard Dante Allen into the starting lineup over junior Tru Washington. This was the first game all season Washington came off the bench. 

Washington made his 26 minutes count, scoring 10 of his 12 points in the second half and went four-for-four from the charity stripe.

UM ended the game similar to how they started. 

Makena Wong, Staff Photographer // Red Panda performs during halftime of the men’s basketball game against Stanford on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2026.

Tre Donaldson led the Hurricanes (17-4, 6-2 ACC) on a 7-0 run to start the game but its inconsistent shooting was its kryptonite most of the game. 

Up 22-12 with 11:38 left to go in the first half, Stanford started to turn the corner, going on 7-0 run of its own to trail by four, 23-19. 

Donaldson’s 13 of Miami’s first 25 points kept them out in front. 

Stanford closed the half on a 8-0 run while the Hurricanes went scoreless from the field in the last 5:49. 

The Cardinal (14-17, 3-5 ACC) is better than their record says. They defeated ranked Louisville and North Carolina on its home floor earlier this month. 

Stanford freshman Ebuka Okorie has been thriving all season, ranked third in scoring for freshmen with 21.7 points per game. Although his 19 points were a team high, he shot 8-for-21 from the field. 

“It took him [Okorie] a lot of shots to get what he needed,” senior forward Malik Reneau said.

Reneau’s 20-point performance was a team high and he was especially physical in the interior, shooting 6-for-10 from the field.

Free throws were a cause of concern throughout the night. Close to the 14 minute mark of the second half, freshman forward Timo Malovec missed three foul shots in row after getting fouled beyond the arc. 

On the night, UM shot 19-for-31 from the line, marking a 61% clip. 

Malovec made up for his poor three point shooting, sinking in back-to-back three point shots. His shooting prowess led the ’Canes to within four, 50-46. 

Miami’s physicality and speed helped them throughout the game as they scored 13 fast break points to Stanford’s zero. They also scored 17 points off turnovers. 

“We’re dynamic. We got big bodies. We got great speed,” Lucas said after the game. “We can get out and get downhill and see if we are going to get a foul or a finish and that’s what we preach.”

The ‘Canes return to the Watsco Center on Saturday at four p.m. to take on Cal.

Makena Wong, Staff Photographer // Freshman guard Dante Allen drives toward the basket while dodging defenders during their game against Stanford on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2026.

The lasting legacy of Katie Meier

Gaby Collazo
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The lasting legacy of Katie Meier

After nearly two decades of shaping University of Miami’s women’s basketball, Katie Meier will be honored Thursday, Jan. 29th, for a legacy built on leadership, loyalty and long lasting relationships. 

For 19 years, Meier shaped what women’s basketball looks like for Miami. Over her years, she led the Hurricanes to 11 seasons with 20 or more wins, guided the team to 13 postseason appearances and has set the all-time record for wins for a basketball coach at Miami with 343 career wins. 

From her time playing at Duke to her professional career overseas in Belgium, Meier consistently has emphasized the importance of education. Even in her final year at Duke, despite battling a knee injury, she extended her academic journey by earning a master’s degree in teaching English at Duke. 

Coaching, however, was not always a part of Meier’s plan. While playing overseas, she knew she only wanted to play basketball.

“I saw how hard it was for the women that were coaching in the era I was playing because of the whole history of Title IX, and it was not close to equal,” said Meier. “It was a frustrating, emotional, and thankless job, so I thought I was too emotional to be that frustrated.” 

Title IX, implemented in 1972, is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational program or institution receiving federal funding, guaranteeing equal academic and athletic opportunities for all students. However, the full implementation was gradual, resulting in persistent inequalities between men’s and women’s sports for decades. 

That mindset shifted when she was required to coach a youth team twice a week. Although she was hesitant at first, Meier fell in love with coaching.

“It was my favorite thing I did,” said Meier. “I just loved it. Those young kids I coached are still in my life.”

Before concluding the first half down 32-38, Head Coach Katie Meier coaches her team on defense during the narrow loss against FSU. Photo credit: Charisma Jones

After beginning her head coaching career in Charlotte, Meier eventually found her way to the University of Miami. While Miami was not initially at the top of her list, she was drawn in by Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Pat Whitely’s belief in student life and impact of athletics.

“I looked at her during the whole interview thinking ‘please pick me,’ Meier said.

A standout player herself, Meier earned Freshman All-American honors at Duke in 1986 and was named Kodak WBCA District 2 All-American accolades in 1990. She was later inducted into both the Duke and University of Miami Halls of Fame.

Despite her on-court success, Meier says it was not the wins or losses that define her career but the relationships she built along the way.“I lost my father over this past June, and I can not tell you the amount of ex-staff and players that came all the way to Chicago for the funeral,” said Meier. “It was incredible, you feel like you have built a family.”

Even during challenges on and off the court, Meier said Miami’s culture always pushed her forward. “Someone [will] grab you from the back of your neck and yank you up and say, you are a Hurricane, quit crying, and go build a legacy,” she said. 

With a resume that includes coaching 30 professional players, six All-American honorees, six WNBA picks, and an AP National Coach of the Year, Meier insists the accolades were never the goal.

“I was not trying to do anything except build leaders,” she said. 

The honoring of coach Meier is set to take place ahead of Miami’s tipoff against Duke at the Watsco Center at 8 p.m. 

Head coach Katie Meier hugs senior guard Haley Cavinder after she scored a career-high 33 points in Miami’s 86-82 win over Florida State in the Watsco Center on Feb. 9, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

Longtime Miami coach Jim Larrañaga honored during Miami-FSU basketball game

Zach Cohen
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Longtime Miami coach Jim Larrañaga honored during Miami-FSU basketball game

Former Miami men’s basketball coach Jim Larrañaga was immortalized in program history before tipoff against Florida State on Jan. 20, unveiling a banner bearing his name and the years 2011–24.

Prior to Miami, Larrañaga spent 14 years as head coach at George Mason University and said it was not an easy decision to leave, but one that proved rewarding.

“I’ve worked for the university for 15 years, and these are the 15 greatest years of my life,” Larrañaga said in a halftime conversation moderated by WQAM sports broadcaster Joe Zagacki. “That banner represents a heck of a lot of hard work from so many people in our program, coaches and players alike.”

Larrañaga became the oldest coach in the ACC at age 62 when he was named Miami’s head coach April 22, 2011.

“I was 62 years old, and you know what I told the media — I’m just getting started,” Larrañaga said.

April 22, 2011, marked the start of something special. In 13 seasons, Larrañaga led the Hurricanes to six NCAA Tournament appearances, including four trips to the Sweet 16. 

He helped Miami reach the program’s first Elite Eight in 2022 and its first Final Four in 2023. Those accomplishments are only a sliver of his impressive résumé at UM.

Head coach Jim Larrañaga holds the NCAA Midwest Regional Championship Trophy after Miami’s 88-81 win over the University of Texas in the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO on March 26, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

The program recorded five 25-win seasons and eight 20-win seasons during his tenure.

He turned his players into March Madness heroes, fostering a winning atmosphere that allowed them to flourish on college basketball’s biggest stages.

In the 2023 Elite Eight against Texas, Jordan Miller shot 7-for-7 from the field and 13-for-13 from the free-throw line. He finished with 27 points to send Miami to the Final Four. 

In 2022, Kameron McGusty scored 27 points to send the Hurricanes to the Elite Eight. Other notable players included Isaiah Wong, Sam Waardenburg and Nijel Pack.

Most importantly, he brought the Miami Hurricanes community together. In 2017–18, season tickets sold out for the third straight season. During the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons, Miami recorded four of the five highest single-game student attendance marks in program history.

In the midst of his 14th season coaching Miami, Larrañaga stepped down Dec. 26, 2024. He credited his decision to the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.

“All those players and coaches and the fans that followed us, you deserve all the credit,” Larrañaga said. “That banner represents you as well, and I thank you for that.”

Larrañaga will forever be a Miami Hurricane.

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor/ Coach Jim Larrañaga was honored with a banner in the rafters on January 20, 2026.

‘Red Panda’ set to perform at halftime of Miami-Stanford game

Omar Pinto
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‘Red Panda’ set to perform at halftime of Miami-Stanford game

Rong Niu, better known under her stage name ‘Red Panda’, is set to perform at halftime of the Miami–Stanford basketball game on Jan. 28.

‘Red Panda’ is famous for riding a tall unicycle while balancing plates on her head and foot, all while juggling more plates at the same time. The Chinese-American acrobat has even appeared on television shows such as America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent.

A longtime NBA halftime performer, ‘Red Panda’ has become a fan-favorite for her acrobatic routines and even appears as a halftime act in the NBA 2K video game franchise.

On July 1, 2025, she fell from her seven-foot unicycle during a halftime show of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx. Rui suffered a severe fracture in her left wrist and spent 11 hours in a Minneapolis hospital.

Niu’s injury required surgery, and spent four months recovering from her wrist fracture. She first returned from injury on Oct. 23, 2025 for an Amazon Prime event and has worked her way back to regularly performing across the country at universities and arenas.

To see her performance, make sure to show up to the Watsco Center tonight as the Canes take on the Cardinal.

Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, with the game airing on the ACC Network.

’Canes Science Bowl brings STEM education to more students

Samantha Rodriguez and Christel Aldana
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’Canes Science Bowl brings STEM education to more students

University of Miami student Sabrina Cuba and graduate Albertie Regalado started the ’Canes Science Bowl to build an interest in STEM education in current ’Canes and pre-college education students. 

Adriana Gonzalez and Aaliyah Davis, the new ’Cane Science Bowl presidents, are keeping the  dream alive. They will host the annual spring ’Canes Science Bowl with their fellow club members and student volunteers serving as moderators, scorers and timekeepers on Feb. 7 and Feb. 21.

“Our members not only manage the large-scale academic events, they are also there to mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists,” Gonzalez said.

’Canes Science Bowl hosts volunteer training sessions, science outreach activities and leads STEM activities at Ponce De Leon Middle School and Henry S West Laboratory School throughout the year. Student volunteers can receive up to 40 volunteer hours at ’Canes Science Bowl events.

‘Canes Science Bowl managing the ‘Canes Science Bowl Miami Kids competition on Oct. 23, 2023. Photo Courtesy of ‘Canes Science Bowl.

Gonzalez and Davis create new science learning strategies with the club to develop memorable experiences with STEM education in aspiring scientists. They work to bring high school students to UM to show them the resources and opportunities STEM students have at the college of engineering and arts and sciences. 

Fostering a love for science in young students and connecting UM students’ passion for science into service is a top priority for the ’Canes Science Bowl.

“We want ’Canes Science Bowl to be known not just for hosting science competitions in spring, but for creating lasting educational impact in South Florida,” Davis said.


Create a lasting impact in Coral Gables with the ’Canes Science Bowl by volunteering for their spring competitions. Click here to fill out the volunteer application form. Stay up-to-date on the ’Canes Science Bowl by following their Instagram and joining their GroupMe.

Duke WR Cooper Barkate commits to Miami

Jayden Gonzalez and Sebastian Font
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Duke WR Cooper Barkate commits to Miami

Miami continues to add at the wide receiver position through the portal, securing the commitment of Duke wideout Cooper Barkate.

A 6-foot-1,195-pounder from Newport Beach Calif., Barkate spent three seasons at Harvard before spending his 2025 season as a graduate transfer at Duke, being Miami quarterback Darian Mensah’s go-to receiver.

Last year, he reeled in 72 catches for 1,106 yards for the Blue Devils which included seven touchdowns. Barkate’s yard total only came second in the ACC to Miami’s own Malachi Toney and was good for ninth in the country.

Following his career year, Barkate was named Second Team All-ACC along with Mensah and Duke running back Nate Sheppard.

Barkate and Mensah’s chemistry led to a historic season for Duke under former Miami head coach Manny Diaz. The Blue Devil offense was among the best in college football in 2025, averaging 34.6 points per game and 285.4 passing yards per game.

That success led to a 9-5 campaign capitalized by the programs’s first outright ACC Championship since 1962 in a 27-20 victory over Virginia and a 42-39 Sun Bowl victory over Arizona State.

A sure handed receiver who only dropped six passes on the year, he averaged 15.2 yards per catch, and shined in the intermediate game. That’s because he pairs his smooth routes with impressive YAC ability, turning chain-moving catches into game-changing plays.

His standout games included 13 catches for 172 yards against Georgia Tech, and six catches for 127 yards during a 46-45 shootout versus Clemson.

And in the ACC Championship game against Virginia, Barkate totaled 91 yards on five catches.

Barkate graduated from Harvard in May 2025 with a degree in economics and was pursuing a master’s degree in management studies from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.

The graduate student comes from a family of athletics. Harold Barkate, Cooper’s father, was a three-year letterman as a punter for UCLA. Cooper’s sister, Maddie, lettered for four years and earned All-Ivy League honors as a junior at Harvard.

It’s safe to say Mensah will have plenty of options to air the ball out as Barkate joins incoming transfers Cam Vaughn and Vandrevious Jacobs as Miami’s portal additions, complementing a current wide receiver room of Malachi Toney, Josh Moore and UM’s incoming freshman class.

David Lebowitz, Staff Photographer/ Freshman wide recievers Daylyn Upshaw (15) and Malachi Toney (10) celebrate after a big play on November 8, 2025.

Duke QB Darian Mensah commits to Miami

Sebastian Font
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Duke QB Darian Mensah commits to Miami

Cam Ward, Carson Beck and now Darian Mensah.

Despite the pressure and heartbreak of competing for a national title, the Hurricanes have once again plucked their quarterback from the bunch, hoping to continue the success of the portal quarterback trend.

Mensah, a Duke transfer, announced his commitment on Jan. 27, after entering the portal earlier on Jan. 16 — the last day to enter the portal for teams other than Miami or Indiana.

The Canes originally looked towards portal prospects such as Brendan Sorsby, Sam Leavitt and Ty Simpson, but the trio signed with Texas Tech, LSU and declared for the draft, respectively. 

Miami was left in a dire situation for its 2026 quarterback, prompting a search outside of the box — a quarterback not yet in the portal. It looked bleak for the orange and green, but just like the last two years, an unexpected superstar came calling at the final hour. This time, it was Mensah.

A rising redshirt junior from San Luis Obispo, Calif., Mensah originally played at Tulane before transferring to Duke ahead of the 2025 season.

Mensah lit up the statsheet for the Blue Devils, racking up 3,973 passing yards as he threw for 34 touchdowns on the year, good for second in the FBS for both stats.

He led Duke to its first ACC title in nearly 40 years and was named ACC Championship game MVP for his efforts to accompany his multiple All-ACC honors under former Miami head coach Manny Diaz.

Notable performances include his 361-yard, four-touchdown game against Clemson in a 46-45 shootout, as well as his 327-yard, four-touchdown performance in the Sun Bowl against Arizona State.

Army West Point Black Knights Football team takes on the Tulane Green Wave in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game at Michie Stadium, West Point, New York on December 6, 2024. (U.S. Army Photo by John Pellino/USMA)

It was reported before the Sun Bowl that Mensah would be staying with Duke, finishing a multi-year contract worth around $4 million annually. So when the California-native entered the transfer portal at the final hour on Jan.16, it sent Duke scrambling for legal avenues to prevent the move.

Duke was granted a temporary restraining order following Mensah’s entrance into the transfer portal in order to prevent him from enrolling at another university.

“Mr. Mensah has an existing contract with Duke which the university intends to honor, we expect he will do the same,” Duke’s athletics department said in a statement.

However, Mensah’s representatives and Duke were able to reach a settlement regarding his transfer, avoiding court and allowing Mensah to commit and enroll at Miami on Jan. 27.

Combining his stint at Tulane in 2024, Mensah has thrown for 6,696 yards at a 56 touchdown to 12 interception ratio — not to mention a completion percentage over 65 percent in both his seasons as a starter.

Like his predecessors Ward and Beck, Mensah has true draftable talent but still has room to develop. So, when he entered the portal on Jan. 16, Miami became a no-brainer move.

The Canes have a proven record of sending quarterback’s draft stock skyrocketing with an additional year to polish things up at the collegiate level. 

The Hurricanes have everything a quarterback could  dream of: an elite offensive line, impressive offensive weapons, a sizable NIL package and a proven track record of transforming  transfer quarterbacks to the superstar level.

“I want to make the NFL, I want to be a first-round draft pick,” Mensah said. “All signs point towards Miami.”

While the ’Canes have everything for Mensah, what does he bring to Miami?

A 6-foot-3, 208-pound signal-caller, Mensah already has two years of college experience under his belt and flourishes in the intermediate game — able to make pre-snap reads and exploit coverages consistently.

Mensah also has the arm to make all the throws across the field, expanding the playbook downfield and utilizing his receivers talent to the full extent.

He might not be a true “dual-threat” quarterback, but he can certainly use his legs to escape pressure and scramble when needed.

Mensah is an uber-talented quarterback who fits Miami’s scheme perfectly with both the quick game and even trick plays at times. Be ready for the Hurricane offense to reach a whole new level with Mensah in the mix.

The Miami Hurricanes walk out of the tunnel at Hard Rock Stadium before the CFP National Championship game on Jan. 19, 2026. // Photo courtesy of Miami Athletics.

Student influencer starts antisemitic argument with Students Supporting Israel club

Keira Faddis
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Student influencer starts antisemitic argument with Students Supporting Israel club

This article was originally published on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 4:42 p.m. and updated on Jan. 27 at 10:26 p.m.

Kaylee Mahony, a sophomore influencer with more than 125K followers, known as Kaylee Marie or @Kayshmoneyy on TikTok, started a verbal altercation with the Students Supporting Israel club at the Spring Involvement Fair on Tuesday, Jan. 27. 

In a video recorded by a student who wishes to remain anonymous, Mahony can be heard saying “Christianity, which says love everyone, meanwhile your Bible says eating with someone who is a non-Jew is like eating with an animal. That’s what the Talmud says.”

She then can be heard projecting her voice and addressing multiple passing students saying, “That’s what these people follow. That’s what these people follow. They think that if you are not a Jew you are an animal. That’s the Talmud. That’s the Talmud.”

Later in the video, Mahony can be heard responding to one of the SSI members, saying “Because you’re disgusting. It’s disgusting.”

Mahony is known on TikTok for her political posts, which often take anti-Israel, anti-immigration and anti-Democrat positions. On her LinkedIn, she lists herself as the head of public relations for the UM College Republicans and the head of social media for Turning Point Miami. Until this evening, Mahony’s Instagram and Tiktok bios included “Proud Goy” — a term used by Jewish people to refer to non-Jews. It has since been deleted from her Instagram bio. 

Screenshot of Kaylee Mahony’s Instagram profile before the bio was changed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. // Screenshot via a student who wishes to remain anonymous.

Lazaro Chavez, the president of UM College Republicans, said that the club’s executive board came to the collective decision to terminate her membership in the club. 

“What happened today is disgusting,” Chavez said. “This is not an organization that accepts hate. This is not an organization that wants to see antisemitism run wild or any form of discriminatory behavior rampant. It’s completely against not only my own personal views, but it’s also completely against the club’s views.” 

Freshman Ella Leon was tabling for SSI during the fair when the altercation happened. 

“The main things she was saying was that rabbis eat babies, that we shouldn’t be allowed on campus and that we are dirty,” Leon said. “And that’s not right.”

Leon also noted that the members of SSI were proudly wearing necklaces displaying their culture and that Mahony’s debate was not centered around Israel, but Judaism in general.

Video of Kaylee Mahony starting a verbal altercation with SSI at the Spring Involvement Fair on Jan. 27, 2026. // Video courtesy of a student who wishes to remain anonymous.

Mahony denies ever saying this. In an email to The Hurricane, she wrote, “Anyone saying that [I said those things] is completely fabricating it for their own narrative. However, it’s important to know what I’m referencing.” 

Mahony claims that the students at the SSI table said they follow the Talmud, and that “referencing the disgusting verses of the Talmud is not being antisemitic. Asking someone about the book that they use as their moral compass isn’t antisemitic.”

Professor Ira Sheskin, director of the Jewish demography project of the Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, emphasized that the Talmud is a very old text. 

“Remember the Talmud started being written in 200 AD and was done in about 750 AD, it was a different world then. You don’t interpret today on the basis of what one rabbi said 1,300 years ago, to start with,” Sheskin said. 

Student leaders with SSI said that they welcome all kinds of civil debate and interaction with students from different viewpoints, but that the debate with Mahony quickly grew heated.  

A member of the Committee on Student Organizations — the organization hosting the fair — approached the table after a few minutes of the argument and encouraged Mahony to calm down and leave. 

Josh Brandfon, the senior director of student activities, student organizations and student center complex programs at UM, also approached the table. 

“The school is amazing. Josh Brandfon came and checked to see if everything was okay, because obviously it wasn’t really just any run-of-the-mill debate. It was just kind of bigoted,” said senior Tamir Shazo, another SSI member who was at the table. 

The third SSI member running the table, who said his name was Yonah, encouraged any students looking to debate to attend an SSI’s event scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29, called “The World’s Biggest Zionist. Ask Me Anything.” 

“At SSI, we’re not afraid of genuine conversation. We welcome discussion from all opposing viewpoints. Even, I would go as far as to say, those that are of antisemitic nature, like the one that just occurred,” Yonah said. “That’s what a university is for. To be able to exchange and debate ideas. So if anyone reading wants to come and try for themselves, we welcome it.”

This altercation happened to take place on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marks the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps that killed millions of Jews during the Holocaust. 

Harry Styles is back and better than ever with new single ‘Aperture’

Keira Faddis
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Harry Styles is back and better than ever with new single ‘Aperture’

Harry Styles returned from a nearly four year break from releasing music with a new single titled “Aperture,” released Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. 

Styles began teasing the new single on Dec. 27, 2025, with a short film going live on his official YouTube channel. The film, titled “Forever, Forever,” commemorated his final “Love on Tour” stop in Italy on July 22, 2023. 

The single is the first from his upcoming album, “Kiss all the time. Disco, occasionally.” which is set to release on March 6. 

A few lucky fans got the chance to listen to the single a day early, and after hearing their reviews, I was initially worried I wouldn’t like it. I heard it described as “techno,” “funky” and “like nothing he had ever done before.” 

The first 45 seconds of the more than five minute song is purely synth beats. I was definitely feeling the “techno” vibe that so many fans were describing. As Styles’ voice came on to the track, I noticed it sounded more mature than I had ever heard before. 

“Aperture” definitely fits the house music vibe, which makes the “Disco, occasionally” part of the album title make sense since house music is considered a direct descendant of disco music. 

The repeated lines of the chorus, “We belong together, it finally appears, it’s only love,” makes the listener want to get up on their feet and dance. I wouldn’t be surprised if this song makes its way around the Miami club scene. 

As I’ve kept listening to the song while writing this review, I’ve fallen more and more in love with the new sound. 

Rating: 8.5/10

Miami influencer Alix Earle to star in Netflix reality TV show

Bella Armstrong
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Miami influencer Alix Earle to star in Netflix reality TV show

Influencer and UM alum Alix Earle is officially taking her next step from social media stardom to mainstream television. She will make  a new unscripted reality series in partnership with Netflix that’s set to premiere in 2026.

Earle, one of Gen Z’s most recognizable online personalities, rose to prominence through her candid “Get Ready With Me” videos in her Miami dorm room, as well as her unfiltered approach to life online. 

What began as casual TikTok uploads during her time at the University of Miami quickly evolved into a global brand, with Earle now boasting more than 13 million combined followers across TikTok and Instagram.

This new venture is her most ambitious project yet. 

The upcoming show will give viewers a deeper look into Earle’s personal life, family, friends and the transitional period she is navigating as her influence continues to expand. 

According to Netflix, the series aims to capture the real-time messiness of a young woman as she balances personal growth, public scrutiny and a rapidly growing business empire.

While Earle has built her platform on authenticity, the series promises to go beyond the curated moments typically shared on social media. The show will follow her day-to-day life as she travels, manages brand partnerships and navigates the dynamics of her modern family, including her sister and fellow content creator Ashtin Earle. 

Rather than focusing solely on glamor and lifestyle, the series is positioned as an unfiltered look at the moments rarely seen online.

Earle’s transition into television comes at a pivotal moment in her career. In recent years, she has expanded beyond influencer culture into fashion, beauty and entertainment, while also appearing as a finalist on the most recent season of “Dancing with the Stars.” 

The Netflix project signals a larger shift from internet fame to long-term media presence, placing Earle with a growing group of creators who leverage their social platforms as launchpads for traditional entertainment careers.

The series is produced by Fulwell Entertainment, which is known for its work in both unscripted television and large-scale productions like “The Late Late Show with James Corden” and “The Kardashians.” 

As streaming platforms continue to invest in influencer-led programming, Earle’s series raises a larger question about the evolving definition of what it means to be a celebrity as well as storytelling in the digital age. 

For Earle, however, her upcoming show appears to be less about reinvention and more about expansion — offering fans a fuller picture into the life they’ve followed in fragments for years.

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