Miami Defensive Lineman Akheem Mesidor selected 22nd to LA Chargers

Written by: Marcus Benjamin

PITTSBURGH — Akheem Mesidor was the third Miami Hurricane selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.  

The Los Angeles Chargers selected the productive edge rusher 22nd overall, joining Bain (selected 15th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) as one of three other defensive end tandems drafted in the first round from the Miami Hurricanes (Gregory Rousseu and Jaelen Phillips in 2021, Jerome McDougle and William Joseph in 2003, and Kenny Holmes and Kenard Lang in 1997).  Offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa was selected 10th overall by the New York Giants.

Mesidor, a West Virginia transfer, is 25 years old and has played four seasons at Miami, accumulating 35.5 sacks over six seasons. He suffered foot injuries during his career that gave him additional eligibility.

“I think my age could be a plus depending on how you look at it,” Mesidor said pre-draft.  “I think I’m going to come in more mature, with a different approach, a different mentality than a lot of younger guys.”  

Last season was his best as a collegiate athlete, tallying 12.5 sacks and garnering an All-ACC first-team selection. A Canadian native, Mesidor was a second-team All-America selection and a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award honoring the nation’s top pass-rusher.

In 2025, Mesidor started all 15 games and helped Miami reach its first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff. He led the Hurricanes and ranked among the nation’s leaders with 17.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks, posting a career-high 63 total tackles.

Mesidor, who is of Haitian descent, was the 69th first-rounder for the Miami Hurricanes football program. 

For his collegiate career, Mesidor totaled 52.5 tackles for loss and 35.5 sacks.

• 2025 Second Team All-American (The Sporting News)

• 2025 Ted Hendricks Award finalist

• 2025 All-ACC First Team

• 2024 All-ACC Honorable Mention

• 2022 All-ACC Honorable Mention

• One of the nation’s top pass rushers and a leading defensive presence for Miami

• Started all 15 games along the defensive line in 2025

• Led the ACC and ranked third nationally with 12.5 sacks in 2025

• Led Miami and ranked among national leaders with 17.5 tackles-for-loss

• Recorded a career-high 63 total tackles (38 solo) in 2025

• Posted a team-high four forced fumbles on the season

• Finished his collegiate career with 208 tackles, 52.5 tackles-for-loss, and 35.5 sacks

Miami Athletics and ACC Communications contributed to this report