Which Miami Hurricanes Players Are Declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft? All You Need to Know About the Fresh Challenge for Mario Cristobal
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Mario Cristobal is building a roster with half the information he needs. The Miami head coach has already pulled Jarquez Carter from Ohio State and Vandrevius Jacobs from South Carolina through the transfer portal. Those moves address immediate depth concerns. But Cristobal still doesn’t know which Hurricanes will bolt for the NFL. That answer won’t come until Thursday, when Miami’s declaration window finally closes.
How Many Miami Hurricanes Players Have Officially Declared For the 2026 NFL Draft?
As of today, only offensive lineman Anez Cooper has officially declared. Miami’s deadline runs through January 23 because the team played in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Other programs finished this process on January 14.
That gap leaves Mario Cristobal in limbo. He can’t finalize his roster or recruiting strategy without knowing who will stay and who will go.
Multiple Hurricanes show up on prospect rankings and scouting reports. Their names circulate in draft conversations.
Who Are Miami’s Top 2026 NFL Draft Prospects?
Rueben Bain Jr. leads every conversation about Miami talent headed to the NFL. The edge rusher put together a 2025 campaign that included 54 tackles, 15 stops behind the line, and 9.5 quarterback takedowns. Pro Football Focus handed him a 92.5 grade. Scouts see first-round potential. He’s the lone underclassman analysts expect to leave, though no official word has come yet.
Francis Mauigoa draws attention as an offensive tackle prospect. Mock drafts have placed him 13th overall in some scenarios. His combination of size and technical ability against major opponents makes him a coveted lineman.
Akheem Mesidor boosted his profile during the title game. His play moved him into second-round territory around selection 59. Keionte Scott similarly elevated his standing with playoff production at cornerback.
Other expected players are Jackson Carver and Tommy Kinsler IV.
Rueben Bain Jr Scouting Report https://t.co/p8MWmhP0Cq via @YouTube
— Byron Gray (@ByronGr62777726) January 21, 2026
FAQ: Miami Hurricanes 2026 NFL Draft Declarations
Q1: When is the deadline for Miami players to declare?
A: Thursday, January 23, 2026.
Q2: Has Rueben Bain Jr. officially declared?
A: No announcement yet. Still, analysts widely expect him to enter, given his first-round grades and dominant statistics.
Q3: Which Miami players are projected as first-round picks?
A: Rueben Bain Jr. and Francis Mauigoa both draw first-round buzz. Mauigoa has appeared as high as pick 13 in early projections.
Q4: How does the extended deadline affect Mario Cristobal’s roster planning?
A: It delays everything. Mario Cristobal is pursuing transfers like Darian Mensah without knowing his current roster composition for 2026.
Q5: Are any other Miami players expected to declare?
A: Akheem Mesidor and Keionte Scott are candidates. Both elevated their stock during the playoffs, with Mesidor drawing second-round attention.
