In his latest top-25 prospect list for the 2026 draft class, Mel Kiper Jr. put three Hurricanes in the top 25 and added more Miami names in his positional rankings at the bottom of the board. Kiper's list comes after the College Football Playoff semifinals and he emphasized that the Big Board is not a mock draft, but his personal talent-based rankings.
OT Francis Mauigoa came in at No. 5 overall
The headliner for Miami is offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, who checked in at No. 5 overall. He has started all 15 games in 2025 while allowing just one sack. Mauigoa has more than 2,600 snaps at right tackle and the pass-protection traits to stick outside.
"Here's a true mauler. Mauigoa is fun to watch for the way he just destroys pass rushers at the point of attack. He has more than 2,600 snaps at right tackle and has the pass protection skill to stick there, but he could absolutely slide inside and become a Pro Bowl-caliber guard at the next level. Mauigoa has allowed one sack and blown only 11 run blocks since the start of last season."Mel Kiper
DE Rueben Bain Jr. came in at No. 14
Defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. came in at No. 14, with a 2025 stat line that included 63 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and 68 pressures across 15 games. Kiper praised Bain's power and disruption, pointing to how consistently he affects game plans.
"Bain is powerful and has really strong hands. He routinely gets the best of some very good offensive tackles, often with his dominant rip move, and he knows every trick in the book in getting home to the QB. Bain also shows speed and bend off the edge, and he takes good angles. Plus, he can hold the edge against the run and get off blocks to chase down ball carriers. His tape is just filled with disruption."Mel Kiper
Veteran defensive end Akheem Mesidor was ranked No. 17
Right behind him, defensive end Akheem Mesidor was ranked No. 17. In 2025, Mesidor has 70 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 14 games.
"The Canadian makes his presence felt against both the run and the pass, and he shows good bend, closing burst and power. When his initial move is thwarted, Mesidor never stops battling. He also brings some versatility, with the ability to shade inside to DT and get pressure on the interior."Mel Kiper
Kiper's positional rankings for the 2026 NFL Draft
In his position-by-position rankings, Kiper listed Mauigoa as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the class. He also ranked Bain as his No. 1 defensive end and slotted Mesidor No. 3 at that same position, giving Miami two of his top three defensive ends.
Kiper ranked quarterback Carson Beck No. 6 among QBs. On defense, Kiper included Keionte Scott at No. 8 on his cornerback list and Zechariah Poyser at No. 10 among safeties.
At the very top of the Big Board, Kiper’s No. 1 prospect was Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, followed by Oregon quarterback Dante Moore.