After making early noise in his collegiate career, he took a significant step forward upon joining the Miami Hurricanes. His ability to pressure quarterbacks, set the edge against the run and deliver impact plays has elevated his profile.

The standout arrives at the 2026 NFL Draft at a pivotal moment in his career, coming off a dominant final season that boosted his stock and placed him firmly on the radar of teams searching for proven pass-rushing production.

How old is Akheem Mesidor?

Akheem Mesidor is 25 years old. Born on April 5, 2001, in Ottawa, Canada, he enters the draft as one of the older prospects in his class—a factor that has sparked debate among scouts and analysts.

His age is largely the result of a long college journey that included multiple seasons at both West Virginia and Miami, along with eligibility extensions due to injuries and the COVID-19 waiver year.

While some teams may view this as a limitation in terms of long-term upside, others see it as a major plus: He arrives with extensive experience, polished technique, and the maturity of a player ready to contribute at the NFL level.

How tall is Akheem Mesidor?

Akheem Mesidor is listed at 6-foot-3 (190 cm) tall. His height places him right in the ideal range for an NFL defensive end, allowing him to balance leverage and reach effectively.

He has the frame to line up both on the edge and inside in certain defensive packages. This versatility became a key part of his role with the Miami Hurricanes, where he was often moved across the defensive front to exploit mismatches.

How much does Akheem Mesidor weigh?

Akheem Mesidor weighs 259 pounds. This measurement places him right within the ideal range for an NFL edge rusher, combining a compact, powerful frame with enough agility to consistently pressure quarterbacks.

What is Akheem Mesidor’s arm length?

Akheem Mesidor’s arm length is officially measured at 32 1/8 inches. His arm length is considered slightly below average for NFL defensive ends, a detail that has been noted by scouts during the evaluation process.

However, this hasn’t significantly limited his production. He compensates with refined hand usage, leverage, and a deep pass-rush arsenal, allowing him to consistently win one-on-one matchups despite not having elite length.

Akheem Mesidor’s achievements with the Miami Hurricanes

Akheem Mesidor’s biggest achievements with the Miami Hurricanes include First-team All-ACC honors, Second-team All-American recognition and leading the team in multiple defensive categories during the 2025 season.

After transferring to the Hurricanes, he developed into one of the most dominant edge rushers in college football. His impact peaked in 2025, when he became the centerpiece of one of the ACC’s most productive defensive lines.

During that standout season, he recorded:

• 63 total tackles
• 17.5 tackles for loss
• 12.5 sacks
• 4 forced fumbles

He not only led Miami in sacks and tackles for loss, but also ranked among the top defenders in the entire conference. His production helped anchor a defense that was among the most efficient in the nation, allowing just 14.8 points per game in 2025.

Akheem Mesidor’s career highlights

Freshman All-American (2020 – West Virginia): Mesidor wasted no time making an impact at the college level. As a true freshman with the West Virginia Mountaineers, he recorded 5 sacks and immediately established himself as one of the most promising young defensive linemen in the country. His early production earned him Freshman All-American honors, putting him on the national radar from day one.

Consistent All-Big 12 production (2020–2021): Over his first two seasons, Mesidor proved his freshman success was no fluke. He followed up with another productive year, totaling multiple sacks and tackles for loss while earning All-Big 12 recognition. His ability to generate pressure consistently against high-level offenses showed his reliability and raised his long-term NFL potential.

Transfer to Miami and positional versatility (2022–2024): After transferring to Miami, Mesidor’s role evolved. He dealt with injuries early in his Hurricanes tenure and was even asked to play inside along the defensive line at times, showcasing versatility and team-first mentality. While his raw numbers dipped in certain stretches, scouts valued his adaptability and experience across multiple positions on the defensive front.

Breakout final season (2025 – Miami): Mesidor’s career reached its peak in 2025. He finished the season with 63 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles, emerging as one of the most productive edge rushers in college football. He led the ACC in key defensive categories, including sacks and tackles for loss, and became the focal point of Miami’s pass rush. His performance also extended into the postseason, where he continued to deliver against top competition.

Dominant playoff performances: During Miami’s College Football Playoff run, Mesidor elevated his level even further, recording 5.5 sacks and 17 tackles in four playoff games, proving he could perform on the biggest stage. That stretch played a major role in boosting his draft stock just weeks before the NFL Draft.

First-team All-ACC and Second-team All-American (2025): His standout season earned him top-tier recognition at both the conference and national level. These honors confirmed his status as one of the elite defensive players in college football and solidified his place among the top edge prospects in his draft class.

Over 200 tackles and 30+ sacks across his career: Across six collegiate seasons, Mesidor compiled a highly productive résumé, combining durability (outside of injury setbacks) with consistent disruption in both the pass and run game. His ability to maintain production across different systems and roles is a key reason scouts view him as a high-floor prospect.

Polished, NFL-ready edge rusher entering 2026 Draft: By the time he reached draft week, Mesidor was widely seen as one of the most technically refined edge defenders available. While questions remain about his age and measurables, his production, experience, and pass-rush skill set make him one of the safest projections to contribute early at the next level.

Despite not having prototypical length for an NFL edge rusher, his lower-body strength and relentless motor have made him one of the most productive defenders in the ACC, earning All-American honors and major conference awards.

As the 2025-26 season and draft cycle progress, his profile continues to grow beyond just measurables. NFL scouts view him as a high-impact defensive lineman, keeping him firmly in first-round conversations.

How old is Rueben Bain Jr?

Rueben Bain Jr. is 21 years old, born on September 8, 2004. The Hurricanes defensive standout has developed into one of the most dominant young edge rushers in college football despite still being early in his collegiate career.

A Miami native, he quickly rose through the local football pipeline before becoming a key defensive force. His age is particularly notable because he has already earned All-American honors and major conference awards.

How tall is Rueben Bain Jr?

Rueben Bain Jr. is listed at 6-foot-3 (around 1.91 meters). That frame gives him a strong combination of leverage and power at the edge position.

While not the tallest pass rusher in college football, his compact build helps him win at the point of attack, especially when collapsing pockets or setting the edge against the run.

How much does Rueben Bain Jr weigh?

Rueben Bain Jr. weighs approximately 270–275 pounds (around 124 kg). That weight puts him in the ideal range for a modern defensive end in both college and NFL systems.

He uses that mass to generate force through contact, overpower blockers and maintain balance when engaged with offensive tackles. Scouts consistently highlight his strength as one of his biggest advantages.

What is Rueben Bain Jr.’s arm length?

Rueben Bain Jr.’s arm length is 30⅞ inches. This measurement is significantly below the preferred NFL threshold for edge rushers, where teams typically look for a minimum of 33 inches to ensure defenders can keep offensive tackles from latching onto their frame.

This has sparked one of the biggest scouting debates of the 2026 draft cycle. Critics argue that his lack of length will make it difficult to “lock out” elite NFL tackles, potentially neutralizing his power-based game. However, Bain’s supporters point to his historic production at Miami—including his 2025 Ted Hendricks Award win—as proof that his elite hand placement, natural leverage, and explosive “first-step” quickness allow him to overcome his physical limitations.

Rueben Bain Jr’s career at the Miami Hurricanes

Rueben Bain Jr. has become a foundational piece of the Miami Hurricanes defense since his breakout freshman season in 2023, immediately impacting games with his pass-rushing ability and physical presence.

He earned ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2023) and later elevated his game to All-American level, becoming one of the most disruptive defenders in college football.

His production has included consistent sacks, tackles for loss and game-changing plays against top-tier competition, establishing him as a centerpiece of Miami’s defensive front.

By 2025–26, he had already positioned himself as one of the top edge prospects in the country, with NFL scouts projecting him as a potential first-round selection due to his combination of strength, technique and production.

Rueben Bain Jr’s career highlights

• ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2023): Bain made an immediate impact as a freshman, quickly establishing himself as a disruptive force on Miami’s defensive front. His breakout season set the tone for what would become a rapid rise in national recognition.

• All-American honors: His dominance continued beyond his debut year, earning him All-American recognition thanks to his consistent pressure, backfield disruption, and ability to change games against top competition.

• Game-changing pass rush production: Bain has recorded multiple standout performances with sacks and tackles for loss in key ACC matchups, often forcing opposing offenses to adjust entire game plans around him.

• National award recognition (Ted Hendricks Award watchlists/mentions): His profile as one of the top edge defenders in the country has placed him firmly in conversations for national defensive honors, highlighting his elite production and upside.

• NFL Draft buzz (2026 cycle): Entering the next stage of his career outlook, Bain is widely projected as a first-round NFL Draft talent due to his power, explosiveness, and consistent production at Miami.

He was a consensus All-American and winner of the prestigious ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy, an honor given to the most outstanding blocker in the conference as voted on by head coaches and defensive coordinators.

As he enters his third year of collegiate dominance, the accolades are starting to stack up faster than the defensive ends he puts in the dirt. He is no longer just a “prospect”—he is a legitimate NFL Draft headliner.

How old is Francis Mauigoa?

Francis Mauigoa is 20 years old. Born on June 4, 2005, the offensive tackle is currently in the midst of a high-profile collegiate career with the Miami Hurricanes, having entered the program as one of the youngest and most talented prospects in the 2023 recruiting class.

How tall is Francis Mauigoa?

Francis Mauigoa stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs approximately 329 pounds. His massive frame and 6-foot-8 wingspan provide the Miami football team with an elite physical presence at the line of scrimmage, allowing him to neutralize even the most athletic edge rushers in the country.

Who is Francis Mauigoa’s brother?

Francis Mauigoa’s brother is Francisco “Kiko” Mauigoa, a linebacker for the New York Jets. The brothers were a dominant duo for the Miami Hurricanes before Francisco was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The “Mauigoa Connection” was a fundamental pillar of the roster during their time together in Coral Gables. While Francis was busy moving defenders on the offensive line, Francisco was the emotional and physical leader of the defense, leading the team in tackles and tackles for loss.

Their path to Miami was a package deal of sorts; the family’s move from American Samoa to South Florida allowed both brothers to dominate on opposite sides of the ball, creating a rare family legacy that culminated in Francisco’s transition to the professional ranks.

What position does Francis Mauigoa play?

Francis Mauigoa plays offensive tackle for the Miami Hurricanes. While he has the versatility to play across the line, he has spent the majority of his career as a dominant right tackle, earning a reputation as one of the best pass-blockers and run-maulers in college football.

Francis Mauigoa’s career with the Miami Hurricanes

Francis Mauigoa’s career is defined by a meteoric ascent from the nation’s top offensive line recruit to a consensus All-American anchor. Since stepping onto the Coral Gables campus as a five-star prospect from IMG Academy, he shattered the typical developmental curve for offensive linemen.

He secured the starting right tackle job as a true freshman in 2023, becoming an immediate cornerstone for the Miami football team and starting every game of his collegiate career. His impact was instant, providing the physical “edge” that head coach Mario Cristobal sought to return the program to its status as a line-of-scrimmage powerhouse.

As he progressed into his sophomore and junior campaigns, his technical refinement began to match his overwhelming physical gifts. By the 2025 season, he had evolved into one of the most efficient pass-protectors in the country, playing over 800 snaps and finishing with an elite 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade.

His ability to neutralize high-caliber ACC edge rushers was a primary factor in the offensive surge, allowing just 10 total pressures across an entire season of play. This rare combination of durability and dominance solidified his reputation as a “day one” NFL prospect.

He has served as the emotional and technical leader of a unit that regained its status as a top-15 offensive line nationally. Whether leading the way for explosive run plays or providing a clean pocket for the quarterback, his tenure has been a masterclass in elite line play.

Francis Mauigoa’s career highlights

• 2024 ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy Winner: Officially recognized as the most outstanding blocker in the Atlantic Coast Conference, an award voted on by the league’s head coaches and defensive coordinators.

• Consensus All-American Honors: In 2024, Mauigoa earned first-team honors from major selectors, cementing his status as one of the two best offensive tackles in all of college football.

• Freshman All-American (2023): He made an immediate national impact during his debut season, earning spots on the 247Sports and FWAA Freshman All-American teams after starting every game at right tackle.

• Elite Pass Protection Metrics: Throughout his tenure, Mauigoa has consistently ranked among the top tackles in the Power 4 for “pressure rate allowed,” frequently going entire games without surrendering a sack or a quarterback hit.

• Post-Season Accolades: He has been a perennial First-Team All-ACC selection, proving his dominance within the conference year after year for the Miami football team.

“Looking back at it, I don’t regret it,” he revealed on a dialogue with Jon Gruden. “Just because of the experiences I’ve been able to have. But again, at that point, I didn’t know what was the right decision.”

He also added: “I thought there was more in the tank. Again, a huge part of it was I wanted to win a national championship. I know that I had two as a backup but I wanted to win one as the quarterback.”

After a great year in Miami, he finally decided to take the most important step in his career. What will ultimately be the destination of the former Georgia Bulldogs player in the NFL?

Beck’s latest numbers in the NCAAF

After transferring to Miami for the 2025 season, Carson Beck led the Hurricanes to a historic 13-3 record and a spot in the National Championship game. He finished the year as one of the most efficient passers in the nation, posting an FBS second-best 72.4% completion percentage while throwing for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Despite his stellar individual performance, Beck’s postseason run ended in heartbreak at Hard Rock Stadium, where he fell 27-21 in the final to Fernando Mendoza and the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers.

NFL Draft projection

Following his strong recovery season at Miami, Carson Beck has solidified his status as a high-floor developmental prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. While he was once considered a potential first-overall pick, most analysts now project him as a Day 2 selection, likely falling between the second and third rounds.

“I have no social media on my phone, so I’m kind of just in my own little bubble. I think it’s better that way to be completely honest, but it’s impossible not to see… obviously, I see it, and it is what it is. People have their opinions, and all I can do is continue to do what I do,” he said, per SiriusXM NFL Radio on X.

The former Georgia Bulldogs player, who most recently played for the Miami Hurricanes and reached the National Championship Game, is aiming to take the next big step in his career. Could he finally be drafted by an NFL team?

Beck’s stellar season at Miami

In his lone season with the Hurricanes, Carson Beck revitalized the program by leading them to a remarkable 13-3 record. Throughout the 2025 season, Beck was a model of efficiency, setting a school record with a 72.4% completion rate while throwing for 3,813 yards and a career-high 30 touchdowns.

In the highly anticipated CFP National Championship against Indiana, Beck showed immense poise under pressure, completing 19 of 32 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown. Although the Hurricanes narrowly fell 27-21, Beck’s leadership and precision throughout the year cemented his legacy as one of the most impactful transfers in Miami history.

Criticism surrounding Beck

Carson Beck faces several criticisms as he enters the 2026 NFL Draft process. Scouts have pointed out his limited athletic upside and a tendency to struggle when the pocket collapses, often seeing his mechanics falter under heavy interior pressure. Additionally, while his overall accuracy is high, analysts and pundits have critiqued his lack of elite arm strength on deep balls following his 2024 elbow surgery.

Other quarterbacks to watch in the upcoming Draft

The quarterback class for the 2026 NFL Draft is led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), the consensus top pick after his national title run. He is followed by Alabama’s Ty Simpson, a polished pocket navigator, and Penn State’s Drew Allar, who boasts the highest physical ceiling despite injury concerns.

Rounding out the top tier are the aforementioned Beck and Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), a gritty passer known for his aggressive downfield shots.

There are a couple of plays Miami can look back on and blame for the 27–21 loss to Indiana in the biggest game of the 2025 college football season. There is no use crying over spilled milk, though, and Cristobal reminded Beck and company of that with his postgame comments. Still, he couldn’t help but feel like the night could’ve ended differently.

“Like to have that last one back,” Cristobal admitted about Beck’s game-sealing interception during his postgame media availability.

“But again, a lot of the plays made throughout the course of the year from the guys up here on stage to the guys in that locker room got us here to this moment and gave us an opportunity all the way to the end. So, proud of him.”

CJ Daniels sends message to Beck

It’s been a roller coaster of a year for Beck. From suffering a UCL injury that had many questioning whether he’d ever be able to throw a football as accurately again, to leading a storied college football program all the way to the national title game. Obviously, the ending is what fans across the nation will remember, but the journey deserves as much recognition.

On that note, wide receiver CJ Daniels voiced a heartfelt comment about his quarterback. “The whole world wrote him off,’’ Daniels admitted. “He got us here.” Beck didn’t quite get to complete his redemption arc, but he put the NCAA on notice, and he now has a chance to make the NFL after showcasing his leadership and skillset in college football’s biggest stage.

With zeros on the clock, crimson confetti raining down at Hard Rock Stadium, and the visiting team—despite having more fans in attendance—celebrating in Miami Gardens, Beck walked off the field, as the walls closed in on his college football career. Even for an experienced quarterback like Beck—who many wonder how he is still playing college football— it was a lot to process in the flesh. Now, the graduate transfer has broken his silence with a sincere statement.

“It really hurts,’’ Beck admitted after the game, via The Miami Herald. “It’s hard the way it ended. It’s really tough — especially to battle the way we did in the second half after not coming out too strong in the first half.

“But for a group that faced adversity early on and battled our way back to even have a chance to win the game at the end says a lot about this team. Just super proud of these guys and super thankful for them.”

Beck thanks the ‘U’

Though it didn’t end the way Beck and the University of Miami hoped, there’s plenty for the school in Coral Gables to be proud of. For the seasoned college football quarterback, the Hurricanes allowed him to reconnect with himself and the sport after going through a tough final semester with the Georgia Bulldogs.

“For me, my entire life changed. I was in a really dark place and trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel was a difficult thing,” Beck admitted on his personal journey. “Just a lot going on mentally, physically and emotionally.

“To be able to fight through the roller coaster that life is, I really couldn’t have done it without all these people around me. This university truly saved me and helped me rebuild into the man I am today. It hurts really bad, but it was a hell of a season.”

Thanks to Beck, the ‘U’ is back

At the end of the day, Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers got their movie-like ending to the 2026 NCAA campaign. Meanwhile, Beck and the Hurricanes must deal with the sorrow of coming just short of the finish line. However, there is nothing left for Miami to prove.

The Canes shocked the nation when many didn’t believe they even deserved to make the postseason. Instead, Miami tuned out the noise, went to work, and engaged in a showdown for the ages against Indiana, one of the best-built rosters in recent college football history.

There is plenty to like about the Hurricanes going forward, with Malachi Toney set to become one of the biggest names in the sport. While Beck will not be around Coral Gables to see it or be a part of it, his impact won’t be taken for granted. After getting so close yet so far, Miami will only feed off this feeling—and make no mistake: The U will be back in full gear when fall comes around in 2026.

Mendoza and the Hoosiers faced their biggest competition of the year against the Hurricanes in the National Championship Game. Nobody said it would be easy, and Indiana wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. At the end of the day, the Hoosiers are the best program in the NCAA, and Mendoza could only reminisce about the journey he went through to get here.

“Shoutout to Miami defense. It was going to be a physical game, we had to play physical, and we did. We elevated it. This victory is so sweet for everybody, for the entire Hoosiers nation, but it’s also super sweet for myself,” Mendoza said after the game. “I was a two-star coming out of high school, I got declined a walk-on offer to the University of Miami. Full circle moment here, playing in Miami.”

Mendoza’s stats

In the biggest game of the year, Mendoza didn’t put up the outstanding numbers he had previously yielded in the Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl against Alabama and Oregon, respectively.

Still, Mendoza did everything Curt Cignetti and his team asked—and more. As the game to a close, Mendoza finished the night 16/27 for 186 passing yards, and a rushing touchdown on a fourth-down play that proved the difference.

As a result, Mendoza put the cherry on top on a college football season for the ages. The California transfer is now on track to join a select group of players to be Heisman trophy winners, national champions, and become the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft.

Perfect ending for Mendoza and Indiana

They say reality often outperforms fiction, and Indiana is a testament to that. Who would’ve guessed the Cinderella story in Bloomington would lead to a national title in less than two years? An overlooked kid out of Miami, FL took the school that once registered the most losses in college football history and placed it at the top of the hill.

As if it wasn’t a perfect enough ending, Mendoza did it in front of his family and friends, alongside his younger brother, in the city that saw him grow—and against the school that once shut the door in his face. Now, Mendoza and the Hoosiers are hoisting the most coveted trophy in the Hurricanes’ backyard.

For the first time in over 20 years, Miami is playing for a national championship in college football. It’s safe to say that under Mario Cristobal, the ‘U’ is back. Or better yet, the ‘U is Beck’, as the hope in Coral Gables lies in the hands of their experienced signal caller.

In his first — and last — year in Miami, Beck has had a season for the ages. Now, fans believe Beck can take the program back to college football’s promised land. However, if anything were to happen to Beck, Cristobal and company are confident the team can rally behind its backup.

Emory Williams is listed as the second-string quarterback for the Hurricanes. A redshirt sophomore, Williams was a three-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class. Completing the depth chart will be true freshman Luke Nickel, a four-star talent out of Milton High School in Alpharetta, Georgia. Nickel has a lone pass attempt in the 2025 NCAA season, and it was on an incompletion.

A look at Williams’ journey

Throughout his time in Coral Gables, Williams played the most in the 2023 NCAA season, though he served as a backup to Tyler Van Dyke. Since, Miami has enrolled star transfer quarterbacks in back-to-back years, causing Williams’ appearances to be even more sporadic.

However, anything can happen in college football, and the backup may have to jump into the action. At Hard Rock Stadium—where Tua Tagovailoa was once dubbed a franchise QB—Williams may be called upon to repeat Tagovailoa’s National Championship heroics, when he entered as a backup to lead the Alabama Crimson Tide to a championship in 2018.

Beck vs. Mendoza

Still, barring a disaster or an injury crisis, Beck will not leave the field at Hard Rock Stadium during the National Championship Game. Neither will Indiana send in Fernando Mendoza’s backup quarterback on the Hoosiers depth chart, unless it’s the only option left for the school in Bloomington.

It’s Beck vs. Mendoza, Cignetti against Cristobal, and the ‘U’ up against the ‘IU’. This one is for all the marbles, as Miami and Indiana square off for college football’s ultimate trophy—along with significant prize money for the winner.

Beck’s student-athlete status made waves all over the nation after the 23-year-old quarterback admitted he hasn’t been taking classes in Miami as of late. Beck graduated from his undergraduate degree in August 2024. Back then, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart took to his social media to congratulate Beck for his academic accomplishment.

Therefore, when Beck transferred from Georgia to Miami, the quarterback did so as a graduate transfer in the NCAA. Arriving at the school in Coral Gables, Beck enrolled at other degrees in Miami, though he issued a very honest confession about them. “These programs take a little longer than just a year to finish. Obviously, I’m not enrolling again next semester. I’ll be done after this season,” Beck told reporters ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Did Carson Beck stop taking classes?

The answer to that question is very simple: no. Beck has still attended classes during his stay in the University of Miami. According to reporter Tim Reynolds, Beck has not only attended classes last semester, but he has done great in them, too.

“Carson Beck got three A’s at Miami last semester. Yes, he took classes. Miami classes resumed last week. Guys who are leaving college – graduating, going to the NFL, whatever – didn’t have to enroll this spring just because the CFP final is in the spring semester,” Reynolds stated on his X account

Beck’s journey

Beck enrolled at the University of Georgia ahead of the 2020 NCAA season. Since then, the four-star recruit out of Jacksonville, Florida has been through the wringer. Despite being part of the Bulldogs’ national championship teams in 2021 and 2022, as well as a strong 2023 campaign, Beck struggled to cement himself as the starting quarterback in Athens in 2024.

Suffering a season-ending UCL injury to his right elbow during the postseason ultimately spelled the end of Beck’s time at Georgia. He initially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft but later chose to use his final year of eligibility by entering the college football transfer portal. Recently, Beck revealed a key reason why he joined the Hurricanes, a move that paid dividends as it has clearly revitalized his career.

That decision led Beck to cross paths with Miami—and ever since, The Magic City has watched “The U” rise back toward the top. Whether Beck has attended classes or not is the least of Miami’s concerns, though the situation has sparked significant debate across the college football landscape.

Both quarterbacks may have been the primary reasons their teams reached this stage, leading many to begin wondering whether the future of both Mendoza and Beck could lie in the NFL once this season comes to an end.

While there has been no official confirmation regarding this situation—understanding that the focus is squarely on what may happen in today’s final—it is expected that both Fernando Mendoza and Carson Beck will declare themselves eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft.

There is plenty of talk surrounding projections, and the Hoosiers’ leader and reigning Heisman Trophy winner is expected to be a high draft pick, even with the chance of being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick. Beck’s fate, for now, remains to be seen.

The Heisman Trophy is well deserved

Fernando Mendoza solidified his place in college football history by becoming the first Indiana Hoosier to win the Heisman Trophy, delivering a season for the ages in 2025.

Leading Indiana to a perfect 15-0 record and a No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, Mendoza showcased elite precision and playmaking ability. He finished the campaign with 3,349 passing yards, an incredible 41 touchdowns against only 6 interceptions, and a dominant 90.2 Total QBR.

Beck emerging as a big name

Carson Beck has once again placed himself firmly in the first-round conversation for the 2026 NFL Draft after a resurgent senior season at Miami. Commanding the Hurricanes‘ offense with veteran poise, Beck displayed the elite accuracy and processing power that scouts have long admired.

He capped off the campaign with 3,581 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, all while maintaining an efficient 81.4 Total QBR. Having led Miami to the national title game, his ability to perform on the biggest stages has solidified his status as one of the premier pocket passers in this class.