As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Miami Hurricanes football team is sending one of the strongest groups of prospects to the next level.
We haven’t seen a batch of players from Miami like this in quite a while, and we can hear a few names being called as early as round one.
From potential first-round picks to intriguing Day 3 sleepers, Miami’s draft class is loaded with talent across multiple positions. Here’s a full breakdown of projections and predictions for each Hurricanes prospect entering
this year’s draft.
Rueben Bain Jr. — EDGE
Projection: Round 1 – Top 5
Bain is Miami’s premier prospect in this class and has firmly established himself as one of the most disruptive edge defenders in college football.
With elite burst, power at the point of attack, and the ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks, Bain checks all the boxes for a first-round pass rusher. His motor and production make him a safe bet early.
His questions about having short arms are a conversation that has come and gone once scouts started to see what he did on tape against premier teams in college football.
Unfortunately, I can see him slipping out of the top five and landing in the 6-10 range, but I do see him reuniting with a former Cane.
Prediction: Cam Ward is teammates once again with Bain in Tennessee
Francis Mauigoa — OT
Projection: Round 1 – Top 5
Mauigoa brings rare size and athleticism to the tackle position. His upside as a franchise tackle will intrigue teams early in the first round as his tape backs it up.
He has the tools to be a long-term starter in this league. Many scouts can see him going to play at guard, but depending on who selects him, he may stay at his natural position at right tackle.
His tenacity as a run blocker is his biggest strength, as he was a menace in the run game for the Hurricanes.
Todd McShay compared him to the Bears RT Darnell Wright (who was a top-10 pick in 2023), but said that if he does transition to guard, he can see him as Joel Bitonio, who was a five-time All-Pro in the league. High praise for Mauigoa!
Prediction: The Arizona Cardinals get their right tackle and will be a staple of their organization
Akheem Mesidor — DL
Projection: Round 1 – Top 20
Mesidor’s versatility along the defensive line gives him strong mid-round value in the first round. He can line up inside or outside, offering flexibility for multiple fronts.
While he may not have elite traits, his consistency and motor make him a reliable piece with upside.
His pass-rushing ability and engine are second to none and will translate nicely in the league.
His tape is absurd, and many have had arguments that it is better than that of his counterpart at Miami, which speaks to how great he was alongside Bain.
The one concern scouts have is his injury history and age. What helped him a lot was playing over 800 snaps last season and looking dominant throughout.
Mesidor will be one of the steals of the draft, and a team will hit on this draft pick.
Prediction: Tampa Bay or Dallas will draft Mesidor and be an instant impact player for them
Keionte Scott — DB
Projection: Round 2 (First-round upside)
I already voiced my thoughts on how Scott is a first-round pick, but Scott is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the class. His ability to play nickel, safety, and outside corner makes him incredibly valuable in today’s NFL.
If teams prioritize versatility and slot impact, he could rise into the late first round. Many scouts have him projected to play safety, which is interesting since he was primarily the nickel corner for Miami and had tremendous success.
That speaks to his versatility and talent as a defensive back and how he impacts winning.
He had an incredible pro day at Miami, raising his draft stock even more. Don’t be surprised if he sneaks into the late portion of the first round.
Prediction: Instead of predicting a team, I’ll say that he will be one of the best defensive players that will come out of this draft (I will say, though, I have a strong feeling that the Super Bowl champs draft him)
Carson Beck — QB
Projection: Round 3-4
Beck brings experience and poise to the quarterback position. While he may not have elite arm talent compared to top-tier prospects, his decision-making and command of the offense will appeal to teams looking for stability.
He has the prototypical size a team would want in their quarterback. He has the experience and the abundance of starts and snaps that teams are valuing more nowadays.
Prediction: He’ll be a high-end to an average backup with starter potential in the right system. I can see teams like the Cardinals, Dolphins, and even the Colts taking a chance on him
CJ Daniels — WR
Projection: Round 4–5
Daniels has flashed playmaking ability and vertical threat potential at Miami. His ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays will attract teams looking for depth at receiver.
What separates him from the other receivers in this area of the draft will be his willingness to be a blocker at receiver. His tape shows him driving cornerbacks all the way down the field or even to the ground.
He may be one of the more underrated players in the draft and can be a hidden gem for a team in the right system.
Prediction: Another Canes connection in Tennessee makes sense, but I can also see teams like the Rams, Lions, 49ers, and Bills taking a shot at Daniels
Markel Bell — OL
Projection: Round 4–6
Bell’s physical traits are why I believe he can sneak into the fourth round, as a team can develop him into a monster of a tackle in the NFL.
He offers positional flexibility along the offensive line, which increases his value late in the draft.
There are not a lot of 6’9 tackles walking around in this world. His run-blocking is nasty as he hunts down linebackers in the second level and moves well for his enormous size.
Prediction: Teams looking to build offensive line depth will draft Bell, he won’t be a starter in his rookie year. Look out for teams like Denver, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, and San Francisco
Anez Cooper — OL
Projection: Round 6—7
The heart and soul of Miami’s offensive line was Cooper, and he can develop nicely with the right offensive line coach in the league.
Cooper’s size and strength make him an intriguing interior offensive line prospect. He plays with physicality and has upside as a run blocker at the next level.
Prediction: He will become a reliable offensive lineman in the league
Jakobee Thomas — S
Projection: Round 5–7
One of my favorite players in the draft from Miami, and someone who has not been given the respect he deserves in this draft process.
Thomas is a physical safety who thrives in run support. His downhill play style and tackling ability give him a clear role as a box safety and/or special teams contributor.
His tenacity resembles that of an old school player, and the tape proves it.
Out of all the Hurricanes’ players in the draft, he will be the gem that enters the league, especially with how late he will be drafted. He is more than deserving of a draft pick around round five, but may go later.
Prediction: Will be a great safety for several years, and someone that many teams regret not drafting earlier
Wesley Bissainthe — LB
Projection: Round 6-UDFA
Another old-school type of player on Miami’s defense who may be undervalued heading into the draft.
Bissainthe brings athleticism and range to the linebacker position. His ability to cover ground and contribute in both run defense and pass coverage makes him a valuable late-round target.
With continued development, he has the upside to become a starter with his hard-hitting ability.
Prediction: Will impact winning and be a reliable depth piece in the linebacker room
Final Thoughts
This Miami draft class showcases a strong mix of top-end talent and great depth pieces to contending teams.
With players like Rueben Bain Jr. and Francis Mauigoa leading the way, and versatile playmakers like Keionte Scott climbing boards, the Hurricanes are positioned to make a significant impact on the 2026 NFL Draft.
Don’t be surprised if multiple Miami players outperform their projections and become key contributors at the next level.
