Both Bain and Mesidor are set to transition to the NFL, alongside star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. However, there’s a glimmer of hope for Canes fans, sparked by Bain’s comments in a recent interview with CBS Miami. When questioned about the future of Miami’s defensive line after he and Mesidor depart, Bain expressed confidence, suggesting that the group could even surpass their previous performance next season.
“I believe they might be better than this year,” Bain said, referring to his commitment to leading by example with Mesidor. “Having seen me and Akeem in action, they now have a clearer vision of what it takes. They’ve gained an extra drive to return next year with the mindset to succeed.”
Bain emphasized the depth of the current team as a key factor in Miami’s potential success. The team will only lose three key defensive linemen: Bain, Mesidor, and David Blay. Retaining star defensive tackle Ahmad Moten for 2026 stands out as a significant achievement for head coach Mario Cristobal.
This past season, Bain and Mesidor contributed a combined 22 of the Hurricanes’ 50 total sacks. While Miami will miss their contributions, they still have impactful players like Moten and linebacker Mohamed Toure, but replicating their edge rush effectiveness will be challenging. Defensive line coach Jason Taylor has played a pivotal role in developing Bain and Mesidor into first-round NFL talents, and now he faces the task of cultivating the next wave of standout pass rushers at Miami.
Though there may be skepticism from those of us outside Miami, Bain is unwavering in his belief that his former teammates will rise to the occasion and maintain Miami’s competitive stature in the title race. If Bain’s insights about the defensive line materialize, the Hurricanes could not only compete at the top of the ACC but also reel in a playoff spot once again.
