Miami Hurricanes survive CFP semifinal as Akheem Mesidor exits with injury concern

The University of Miami Hurricanes have advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship, despite a scare involving Canadian defensive end Akheem Mesidor.

The Ottawa native briefly left the field midway through the fourth quarter of the Fiesta Bowl after Ole Miss offensive lineman Brycen Sanders landed awkwardly on his outstretched right arm. Mesidor appeared in discomfort and was evaluated in the tent, where he was listed as questionable to return.

He ultimately returned to the game as Miami held off a late surge to secure a 31-27 victory. The six-foot-three, 265-pound pass rusher tied for second on the Hurricanes’ defense with four tackles and has been a key force throughout the CFP, totaling 14 tackles and 3.5 sacks in three playoff games.

Mesidor has enjoyed a standout season, recording 60 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles across 14 games, earning first-team All-ACC honors.

After beginning his collegiate career at West Virginia in 2020, he transferred to Miami in 2022. Across 63 games, Mesidor has amassed 205 tackles, 50.5 tackles for loss, 33.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four batted passes.

The redshirt senior, ranked 17th overall and the fourth-best edge rusher on Mel Kiper’s latest ESPN big board, is expected to be selected highly in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite topping the CFL’s September scouting bureau rankings.

Mesidor, along with Miami sophomore offensive lineman Nino Francavilla from Toronto, Ont., could become the 11th and 12th Canadians to win an NCAA national championship since the introduction of a definitive title game.

Miami will face the winner of Friday’s Indiana-Oregon matchup in the CFP National Championship on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.