Miami has returned to the national spotlight after two decades of mediocrity. The Hurricanes snuck into the College Football Playoff, and proved they belong with wins over Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Ole Miss. Miami can clinch its first national championship since 2001 on Monday with a victory over Indiana. The Hurricanes boast a well-balanced roster, but their biggest strength is their pass rush. Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor form a dominant duo that terrifies opposing quarterbacks. While Bain has been viewed as a blue-chip prospect all season, Mesidor has flown under the radar until recently. Few prospects have elevated their stock as much as Mesidor, but can he play his way into a first-round selection?
2026 NFL Draft: Akheem Mesidor Early Scouting Report
Measurables
Height- 6-foot-3
Weight- 265 pounds
Background
Mesidor was a three-star recruit and the 69th-ranked strong-side defensive end in the Class of 2020. After playing high school football at Clearwater Academy International (Florida), he committed to West Virginia. Mesidor appeared in all 10 games as a true freshman, having 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks for the Mountaineers. He followed that up with another quality season in 2021, putting up 38 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks as a sophomore. After two seasons in Morgantown, Mesidor entered the transfer portal and joined first-year coach Mario Cristobal at Miami. He was a key contributor with the Hurricanes’ defense in 2022, racking up 38 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Mesidor also had four pass breakups and a forced fumble in his first season in Coral Gables.
It appeared that Mesidor would take the next step in 2023, but that wouldn’t be the case. He suffered a season-ending injury against Texas A&M, limiting him to just two games in 2023. Mesidor returned in 2024 and put up similar production to his first three seasons. He had 32 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks in 13 games.
While he was a solid player through his first five seasons, Mesidor broke out in 2025. Through 14 games, he’s accumulated 60 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. Mesidor is tied for the most sacks in the ACC with 10.5. His 92.1 PFF grade is the fifth-highest among all FBS edge defenders.
Strengths
The biggest strength in Mesidor’s game is his versatility. He has experience playing both on the edge and the interior of the defensive line. His run defense is remarkable, as his 90.0 PFF grade in that department suggests. Mesidor has far more proven production as a pass rusher than most prospects, with 33.5 career sacks. He displays excellent burst off the line of scrimmage, and his speed is good for the position. Mesidor also has a great bend to work around offensive tackles.
Weaknesses
Mesidor is a much older prospect, as he will be 25 at the start of his rookie season. This raises concerns about how much more he can develop compared to younger prospects. He has struggled with missed tackles this season, with a 21.6% missed-tackle rate according to PFF. While his speed and explosiveness are impressive, Mesidor doesn’t have great power, which limits his success on bull rushes.
Overview
There aren’t many college prospects who have helped their draft stock as much as Mesidor this season. He’s had a long collegiate journey, but his 2025 production makes him an intriguing option at defensive end. While his age may hinder his draft value in the eyes of general managers, he’s as versatile as any pass rusher in this class. Mesidor is a player who can play on every down, contributing as both a pass rusher and a run defender. While he’s lined up at various spots along the defensive line, he best fits as an outside edge rusher, where he’s found the most success. Mesidor is currently projected as a second-round pick, but he has a chance to be taken late in the first round.
