The Miami Hurricanes football continues to reestablish itself as a pipeline to the NFL, and the latest big board from Matt Miller
only reinforces that reality.Matt Miller is an ESPN NFL Draft analyst & insider and one of the more respected ones in the industry.
In his newly released top 482 prospects list for the 2026 NFL Draft, more than 10 Miami players earned recognition, an impressive number that speaks to the program’s depth and rising national profile.
Beyond rankings, the evaluation included
pro comparisons for several of Miami’s top prospects, providing insight into how NFL scouts view their long-term potential.
Here’s a quick breakdown of where Hurricanes stand, including rankings, positional placement, and pro comps for the top names.
Top Miami Hurricanes on Matt Miller’s Big Board
Francis Mauigoa — OT
- Overall Ranking: 7
- Position Rank: 1 – OT
- Pro Comparison: Darnell Wright
The highest-ranking Cane for Matt Miller is Francis Mauigoa.
Mauigoa’s combination of size, athleticism, and upside makes him one of the most intriguing offensive tackles in the draft.
If his technique continues to develop, he has the ceiling of a long-term franchise tackle, something NFL teams always prioritize early.
His pro comparison was one I mentioned in my previous piece, with how Todd McShay views Mauigoa, too.
Rueben Bain Jr. — EDGE
- Overall Ranking: 13
- Position Rank: 2 – EDGE
- Pro Comparison: Jared Verse
I would have thought that Rueben Bain Jr. would be the first Hurricane to appear on the big board.
He comes in as the second-best, which highlights why he may have a fall during the first round.
His explosiveness off the edge and ability to disrupt both the run and pass game make him one of the most complete defensive linemen in the class.
The questions remain about his arm length, which is something we will continue to hear until the moment he gets drafted.
The pro comparison reflects a high-impact edge defender capable of producing early in his NFL career. Ironically enough, it’s an FSU Seminole.
Akheem Mesidor — DL
- Overall Ranking: 26
- Position Rank: 4 – EDGE
- Pro Comparison: Dee Ford
Akheem Mesidor’s inclusion highlights his value as a versatile defensive lineman. His ability to move across the front and contribute in multiple roles makes him an appealing mid-round target with upside.
Mesidor was once talked about as a second-round pick, but now it seems like he will be going within the top-20 picks in the first round.
Miller views him highly and around that range, but teams needy for a pass rusher will take him at a premium pick.
Keionte Scott — CB
- Overall Ranking: 46
- Position Rank: 8 – CB
- Pro Comparison: Cooper DeJean
Keionte Scott’s versatility is what stands out most. In today’s NFL, where hybrid defenders are essential, his ability to play nickel, safety, and corner gives him significant value.
Scouts have projected him to be suited better as a safety than a nickel corner, but he is more than capable of playing at any position and impact on winning at a great level.
I recently wrote a piece on how Scott should be a first-round pick and why he may sneak in the back end of the round.
His pro comparison suggests a player who can thrive in multiple defensive schemes and impact games in a variety of ways. Also, a Super Bowl champion.
Markell Bell — OT
- Overall Ranking: 118
- Position Rank: 11 – OT
Markell Bell is the most polarizing physical figure in the draft.
Standing at 6’9 and weighing around 340 pounds, Bell will be an interesting developmental piece for a team that can turn him into a starter in the league.
Bell is projected to be drafted around round three or early in the fourth.
Carson Beck — QB
- Overall Ranking: 131
- Position Rank: 6 – QB
Carson Beck will be one of the more interesting names to see during the draft to see where he goes.
Beck has the experience and the snaps that most scouts look for when drafting a quarterback. Many have had their questions and concerns about him, but it is trending towards him being a day two pick.
I can see him getting drafted in the third round.
Jakobe Thomas — S
- Overall Ranking: 131
- Position Rank: 11 – S
Jakobe Thomas may be the hardest-hitting safety in the draft.
Miller has recognized him within the top-140 prospects, which is one of the highest among respectable analysts. Thomas can have an underrated career in the league, as he was excellent for Corey Hetherman in Miami.
Anez Cooper— OG
- Overall Ranking: 192
- Position Rank: 15 – OG
The heart and soul of the offensive line was Anez Cooper for the Hurricanes.
Miller has him ranked inside the top-200 prospects, which is a good nod for Cooper. He will be a nice day three selection for an organization that knows how to develop guards.
Wesley Bissainthe — LB
- Overall Ranking: 308
- Position Rank: N/A
Wesley Bissainthe was in the middle of one of the best defenses in the country at Miami. He handled a lot from Hetherman and what he wanted from his linebackers.
He was a hard-hitting linebacker who played with relentless effort. Bissainthe can be a hidden gem for a defensive identity team in the league.
David Blay Jr. — DT
- Overall Ranking: 333
- Position Rank: N/A
David Blay Jr. had an underrated year for Miami and Hetherman.
He was in the middle of that defensive line, causing havoc. Mesidor and Bain got a lot of love for the damage they did throughout the season, but Blay made some nice plays as well, too.
James Brockermeyer — C
- Overall Ranking: 336
- Position Rank: 11 – C
James Brockermeyer was the quarterback of one of the more dominant offensive lines in college football last year.
He is an agile center that can get to the second level and create good leverage in the run game. Brockermeyer can become a starting center in the league with the right staff developing him.
CJ Daniels — WR
- Overall Ranking: 361
- Position Rank: N/A
The most surprising ranking of them all in Miller’s big board was CJ Daniels.
With a ranking of 361, Daniels was the lowest-ranked Cane on his big board. Out of most of the big boards out there, this is one of the lowest rankings I have seen for the pass catcher.
Daniels made some incredible plays for Shannon Dawson and Miami’s offense last year. He knows how to use leverage to his advantage and can be a force blocking as a wide receiver.
Despite the low ranking, respectfully, teams may look at Daniels differently and draft him with a day three selection.
