The Miami Hurricanes lost two first-round edge stars, but the pipeline behind them looks as strong as ever.
That’s the story at a position group that has become one of the defining calling cards of the program. With Akeem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr. off to the 2026 NFL Draft after career years, Miami is reloading around Marquise Lightfoot and Damon Wilson II and still drawing national attention for the way it develops pass rushers.
Lightfoot is next in line. He played in 15 games last season, including one start, and finished with 25 total tackles, 16 solo stops, nine assists, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. At 20 years old, he’s projected to start and should get the chance to turn those flashes into more consistent disruption.
Wilson brings a different kind of resume, but the same kind of upside. The Missouri transfer and Venice native put together a strong season for the Tigers, finishing with 23 total tackles, nine solos, 14 assists, 9.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks and a three-yard interception against Vanderbilt in 13 games.
He also earned All-Southeastern Conference Second Team honors. Now an incoming senior, he’s expected to step in as a starter and make a real jump in production.
Miami also has another experienced piece ready for a bigger role in Armondo Blount. He was productive in a limited spot last season, posting 17 total tackles, seven solo stops, 10 assists, 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks across 15 games. With more snaps available, he gives the Hurricanes another proven option off the edge.
There’s depth behind that group too. Freshmen Hayden Lowe, who is redshirted, and Asharri Charles are waiting in the wings.
That’s why CBS Sports pointed to edge rusher as Miami’s best position group heading into the 2026 regular season. Even after losing Mesidor and Bain Jr., the Hurricanes have the kind of talent and depth that should keep the pass rush humming.
And at the center of it all is Jason Taylor. The Pro Football Hall of Famer has helped shape the room, and as a former pass rusher himself, he knows exactly what it takes to win there. Miami’s edge group has become a factory, and Taylor is a huge reason why.
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