In Mel Kiper Jr.'s updated 2026 NFL draft big board, three Hurricanes made his top 13 overall. Kiper also slotted a few more Miami names into his position-by-position rankings.
Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 7 overall
The headliner on defense is Rueben Bain Jr., who checks in at No. 7 overall on Kiper's top 25. Bain logged 64 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and 68 pressures over 16 games in 2025.
"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."Mel Kiper Jr.
Francis Mauigoa at No. 8 overall
Francis Mauigoa came in at No. 8 overall. Mauigoa was named a Consensus All-American in 2025. Since the start of the 2024 season, Mauigoa has allowed two sacks and blown only 11 run blocks.
"He had 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."Mel Kiper Jr.
Akheem Mesidor at No. 13 overall
Miami's other top-15 guy is Akheem Mesidor, who lands at No. 13 overall. Mesidor logged 72 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 55 pressures and four forced fumbles in 2025.
"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 Jr.
Mel Kiper Jr. also mentions other Miami stars
Kiper also has Carson Beck as his No. 5 quarterback in the class. Beck is behind Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, Alabama's Ty Simpson, Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss and Penn State's Drew Allar in that order.
CB Keionte Scott shows up right outside Kiper's top 10 at the position.