Coach Jason Taylor's influence on the Miami Hurricane talented defensive ends is a no-brainer. The Hall of Fame, defensive end is always seen providing years of NFL wisdom on Miami Hurricane greats, Rueben Bain, Jr. and Akheem Mesidor.
There is not any question that both players will be suiting up for teams at the next level.
It’s been great watching Jason Taylor go from football star to coach. I asked him about possibly bringing a championship to the stadium he once played in.
— Mike Cugno (@MikeCugnoCBS4) January 9, 2026
“You’re damn right” pic.twitter.com/cSkmuTGLwB
Miami's D-line has been great in 2025-26 season
Throughout the Canes 2025 success, Taylor's consistent coaching has helped the Hurricane defense enjoy a high ranking in several defensive categories. The Canes are fourth in the nation in scoring defense (allowing 14 points per game), fifth in rushing defense (86.5 yards allowed per game), and lastly, number one in sacks with 46 total. These achievements could not have been accomplished without the constant testing of coach Taylor.
Oftentimes, coach Taylor is seen before games working with the hand techniques and reaction of the All-American Miami Hurricane defensive standouts. It seems as though Taylor's Hall of Fame preparation has influenced both potential first-round defensive ends.
In key moments and victories during the Hurricanes push for a sixth national championship, Bain, Jr. and Mesidor's pressures have helped solidify victories, particularly, at the end of contests, when the Hurricanes needed to close the game. Bain's pressure in the Notre Dame game, as well as both player's quest to become dominant, has basically revamped a defensive unit that was a "liability," in recent seasons.
There were games this season, in which the offense was struggling, and the defense had to shoulder the load. Thus far, in the CFP, the defense shined brightest in a road victory, in a hostile environment against SEC powerhouse, Texas A&M Aggies in Kyle Field.
In the last two contests, the Hurricanes defense have not been as dominant, but one can still observe the defensive pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The once unheralded defensive unit should be "singing the praises" of coach Taylor, whose professional style of preparation, especially, amongst his coaching unit, is one of the main reasons the Miami Hurricanes football program is emerging as one of the top college football programs once again.