No. 1 Miami touting both Mensah and Toney as Heisman Trophy hopefuls this season

Coral Gables, Fla. (AP) — As election season draws to a close, Miami University would like a select group of people to seriously consider two candidates for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Miami (7-0, 5-0 ACC) is touting their two stars, Darian Mensah and Jalen Toney, as top contenders for college football's top individual honor.

The University's offensive coordinator, Shannon Dawson, believes the team's success is due to their best players preparing and focusing in a particular way. Neither Mensah nor Toney reveals much about what winning the Heisman or being a top candidate would mean to them personally. However, Toney made the Heisman pose during the Hurricanes' first drive of the season in September and has done it multiple times since.

When asked to make the case for Mensah, he praised his playmaking ability, leadership, and ability to block for his teammates. Mensah is currently leading the nation in yards per attempt (10.54) and completion percentage (81.4%), and North Carolina Coach Bill Belichick calls him one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Toney leads the nation with 66 catches, 11 touchdowns, and 952 receiving yards, and has impressed Belichick with his blocking, route running, and even his ability to handle success at a young age.

Toney and Mensah have developed a close bond on the field, leading to unspoken communication and quick adjustments by their teammates. With both players leading the nation in various categories, it's possible that they could join a select group of teammates who have finished in the top three for the Heisman in recent years.