Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. share a unique bond. They first crossed paths in Miami back in 2022 when Mesidor was in the transfer portal and Bain was still a high school sophomore. Now, as teammates, they have become inseparable agents of chaos on the field, infamous for their competitive spirit, especially when it comes to rushing quarterbacks.
“It’s always a race to see who gets to the quarterback first,” Mesidor said, highlighting their constant rivalry.
This rivalry isn’t just for fun; it helps elevate the entire Miami defense. Coaches and teammates agree that Mesidor and Bain are two of the top edge rushers in college football, holding the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2026 NFL draft rankings.
At the Greentree practice facility, every moment is filled with competition. Who arrives first? Who stays out the latest? Who watches the most film? Their jersey numbers even reflect their closeness—Mesidor wears No. 3, Bain dons No. 4.
“They push each other in ways that are exciting to watch,” said defensive back Keionte Scott. “The way they battle daily only strengthens the whole team.”
During the playoffs, their efforts showcased just how powerful they are. Together, they secured 10 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks against Texas A&M, including three sacks from Bain himself. This kind of production makes it clear why their coach, Mario Cristobal, built a team focused on dominating the line of scrimmage.
Bain arrived at Miami as a celebrated recruit, already a star in high school with 77 career sacks. He quickly made a name for himself by winning the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year award last season. Mesidor’s journey was different; he started in Canada and faced challenges along the way. His determination led him from playing linebacker to becoming a standout defensive end, ultimately transferring to Miami to hone his craft under NFL legend Jason Taylor.
Both players excel at pressure—Mesidor has a slight edge with a 14.3% pressure rate compared to Bain’s 14.0%. Their competitiveness is so infectious that it extends beyond just themselves. Miami’s offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson recognizes their talent and how it sharpens the team’s skills against a formidable defensive lineup.
“It’s the best defensive line we’ll face all year,” Dawson said, highlighting the benefits of facing such talent in practice.
Both players are expected to be first-round picks in the NFL draft. Their fierce rivalry compels them to continuously improve, almost like siblings in a friendly competition. Bain admits, “Every game, I tell them I got the higher metrics,” showcasing their dedication to always being at the top.
As they look ahead to the upcoming game against Ole Miss, the stakes are high. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss poses a significant challenge, having evaded another strong pass rush earlier this season. Yet, Mesidor and Bain thrive in such situations. They’re ready to chase quarterbacks every single day, both in practice and on game day, embodying the foundation of Miami’s defensive strategy.
Reflecting on their shared experiences, Mesidor said, “When the lights are up, we’re ready to get after it,” to which Bain enthusiastically agreed.
With their eyes set on excellence, Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. may very well redefine what it means to be fierce competitors on the college gridiron.
