Miami has to replace right tackle Francis Mauigoa and defensive linemen Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, who were selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday. Mauigoa was selected 10th overall by the New York Giants, Bain went 15th to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Mesidor 22nd to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal stresses talent acquisition with his staff. Every coach on the Miami staff is expected to be a high-level recruiter. Miami has been one of the best programs nationally, balancing talent acquisition through the retention of their own players, via high school prospects and the Transfer Portal.
Former five-star high school prospects Jackson Cantwell or Samson Okunlola will likely replace Mauigoa at right tackle. Okunlola signed with Mauigoa in the 2023 class and has the opportunity to become a full-time player in 2026 after sharing snaps for the past two seasons.
Cantwell was the second prospect overall and the top OT in the 247Sports composite rankings. Cantwell and Okunlola both have the potential to play either left or right tackle. Matthew McCoy, the starting left guard in 2024 and 2025, could start at RT per Andrea Adelson of ESPN.
Replace DL difference makers
Rising junior Marquise Lightfoot and Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II project to provide Miami with another elite pair of edge rushers. Lightfoot had 25 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 2025. Lightfoot hit Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin on the game-clinching interception in the Cotton Bowl.
Wilson II has 49 tackles 15.5 TFLs, 12.5 sacks, one interception, two passes defended, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles in two seasons with Georgia and one with Missouri. Wilson II has improved in each of his collegiate seasons, culminating with 23 tackles, 9.5 TFLs and 9.0 sacks in 2025.
Miami has the talent to replace Bain, Mauigoa and Mesidor. Building depth at edge rusher and OT will be critical in 2026. Miami frequently plays its OL starters the vast majority of snaps. Miami will likely rotate more often at edge rusher. Redshirt freshman Hayden Lowe and junior Armondo Blount are Miami defensive linemen to watch in 2026.
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