Miami Hurricanes Produce 3 First-Round NFL Draft Picks

Mel Kiper's Big Board projects a rare first-round surge for the Miami program under Mario Cristobal's leadership.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 12:39pm

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According to ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., the University of Miami is poised to have an unprecedented three players selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This would mark a significant milestone for the Hurricanes program, which has struggled to produce top-tier NFL talent in recent years but is now seeing the fruits of head coach Mario Cristobal's roster-building efforts.

Why it matters

Miami's potential to produce three first-round picks is a strong indicator that the program is on the upswing under Cristobal's leadership. This level of NFL-caliber talent is a rarity for the Hurricanes in the modern era and could signal a return to prominence for one of college football's most storied brands.

The details

Kiper's Big Board highlights defensive lineman Rueben Bain, offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, and defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor as the three Hurricanes prospects poised to hear their names called in the opening round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This trio of standout players reflects the depth and quality of Miami's roster, which Cristobal has methodically rebuilt since taking over the program in 2022.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Rueben Bain

A dominant defensive lineman who has emerged as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Francis Mauigoa

A highly touted offensive lineman who is projected to be one of the first players selected from the offensive side of the ball.

Akheem Mesidor

A disruptive defensive lineman who has seen his draft stock rise steadily under Cristobal's coaching.

Mario Cristobal

The head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, who has worked to rebuild the program's talent and competitiveness since taking over in 2022.

Mel Kiper Jr.

The renowned ESPN NFL Draft analyst whose Big Board projections carry significant weight in the scouting community.

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What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April, where football fans will see if Mel Kiper's projections for the Miami Hurricanes come to fruition.

The takeaway

The potential for three Miami Hurricanes players to be selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is a testament to the program's resurgence under head coach Mario Cristobal. This level of top-tier talent is a rarity for the Hurricanes in recent years and could signal a return to the national prominence the school once enjoyed.