Will the Miami Hurricanes finally win an ACC Football Championship in 2026? DG asks Mario Cristobal

Mario Cristobal on Miami’s Rise, Portal Strategy, and Chasing an ACC Title | ACC Kickoff Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal joins the North Carolina Sports Network to discuss the Canes entering his fifth year after a 13–3 season that ended in the national championship game and how Miami is viewed nationally by recruits and coaches. Cristobal recounts nearly leaving coaching in the late 1990s to become a Secret Service agent before returning to Miami as a graduate assistant. He explains his belief that programs are always building, details Miami's transfer-portal approach—especially at quarterback—and praises transfer QB Darrian Mensah for his play, leadership, work ethic, and football IQ. Cristobal also describes his offensive linemen as "absolute creatures," highlights Malachi Tony's professionalism and team-first impact, outlines the team's “positive anger" mindset, and addresses Miami's goals of winning the ACC and pursuing another national title.00:00 Cristobal Returns00:28 Recruiting Respect01:00 Secret Service Detour02:09 Always Building Culture03:07 Portal Strategy QB Room04:27 Landing Darrian Mensah05:51 Absolute Creature Linemen06:47 Malachi Tony Work Ethic07:59 STIFEL | The Founders Group08:49 Positive Anger Edge09:42 ACC Title Focus10:19 Chasing Title Standard11:18 Wrap Up NCSN OutroWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState