Miami added another national award mention on Tuesday, with Mark Fletcher Jr. named to the Doak Walker Award watch list.
The honour recognises the top running backs in college football and is another sign of how highly Fletcher is regarded heading into 2026. But his value to Miami goes beyond watch lists and preseason attention.
Fletcher is increasingly becoming one of the veteran leaders of a running back room that looks stacked again this season. With Marty Brown, Girard Pringle and freshman Javian Mallory all competing for snaps behind him, Fletcher’s role is not just about production. It is also about setting the standard.
Mallory is another name worth watching. Early camp reports continue to speak highly of the freshman, and if that momentum carries on, Miami may have even more depth at running back than expected.
On defence, Mohamed Toure is taking on a similar responsibility.
With Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor now gone, Miami need new leaders to emerge on that side of the ball. Toure is clearly growing into that role, with more responsibility for helping younger players, communicating within the defence and setting the tone for the group.
That team leadership matters just as much as replacing tackles, sacks or highlights.
Miami are also now building towards their second scrimmage of fall camp, which should feel significant. The first scrimmage was about evaluation. The next one should move things closer to actual decisions.
With Stanford now just over two weeks away, the staff will want to see better execution, consistency and discipline as the depth chart starts settling into shape.
The Last Word from Across the Pond
Tuesday’s update felt less about hype and more about responsibility. Fletcher and Toure are not just talented players Miami can rely on. They are becoming two of the veterans expected to help carry this team forward.
With the second scrimmage approaching, that matters. Camp is moving closer to the point where leadership, competition and potential have to start looking like a real football team.
