Five Hurricanes Guaranteed to have their name their called at the 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Combine is in the books, but many future professional Miami Hurricanes did not participate in the drills in Indianapolis.  

Most of the potential pro canes opted to wait until the Miami Hurricanes Pro Day, which will be held on campus at the University of Miami.

Miami’s Pro Day is set for March 23rd, but there are already several Hurricanes who have secured a draft selection.  

Rueben Bain, Jr., Edge

The ferocious defensive lineman has proven his value at every level, yet there are still doubters who question what Bain will do in the NFL.  Bain totaled 77 sacks as a high school player at Miami Central, winning a state title in each season.  In three college seasons, the Dade County native totaled 20.5 sacks, 33.5 tackles for loss, and 121 tackles in 38 games for the Miami Hurricanes.   

Bain’s production and variety of moves to get to the quarterback make him a hot commodity for NFL teams looking to bolster their pass rush.  Some question if his arm length (30 ⅞) and overall size (6’2” 263 pounds) will not measure up against NFL pass protectors. 

The fact is that despite some certainty from experts, Bain is still projected to be a top-five overall selection, and he would be the first Hurricane defensive player to be selected that high since Sean Taylor in 2004.

Francis Mauigoa, Offensive Lineman

Considered a five-star coming out of national powerhouse IMG Academy, Mauigoa has shown his worth as a Hurricane, starting at right tackle since his freshman year.  A crucial pillar in Miami’s offensive line coach Alex Mirabal’s line for the last three 

Mauigoa has allowed two sacks in the last two seasons and earned an 87 pass-block grade in 2025, which led all right tackles. The American Samoan (6’5”, 330 pounds) can play anywhere on the offensive line at the next level, making him a coveted prospect and practically a shoo-in for a top-ten selection. 

If Mauigoa is drafted in the top-ten, he would be the first Hurricane offensive lineman to be selected that high since Ereck Flowers in 2015. 

Akheem Mesidor, Defensive Lineman

The 2025 season solidified Mesidor as one of the elite game wreckers in college football.  At 6’3”, 265 pounds, the sixth-year graduate student led Miami with 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in his final year as a Cane.  

Mesidor has battled some foot injuries during his career, but his upside will be extremely hard to pass up during the first round of the draft.  

Keionte Scott, Defensive Back

Scott is a football player’s football player as his instincts put him in position to make big-time plays in big-time moments.  

One of the biggest moments was when Scott jumped a route in a playoff game against Ohio State, returning for a touchdown and an eventual victory.  His 2025 campaign was by far the best of his career, totaling 64 tackles (42 solo), two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and five passes defended.  He is likely taken off the board on day two of the draft.

Markel Bell, Offensive Lineman

Bell has elements that cannot be taught.  He has great size (6’9”, 346 pounds) and ran a blazing 5.36 40-yard dash time for an O-Lineman.  

According to PFF, Bell finished the 2025 season with an 83.8 pass-block grade, allowing zero sacks on 558 snaps.  NFL teams love big, physical offensive lineman that can move, and Bell fits the bill and would surprisingly last past the third round of the draft.  

Other players likely to be drafted

Carson Beck, Quarterback

Anez Cooper, Offensive Lineman

Jakobe Thomas, Safety

CJ Daniels, Wide Receiver

Wesley Bissainthe, Linebacker