Replacing Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor was always going to be one of Miami’s biggest challenges heading into 2026.
After the opening week of fall camp, we are beginning to get a better look at the players being asked to step up.
Miami’s latest camp coverage put Armondo Blount, Marquise Lightfoot and Justin Scott in the spotlight, with all three expected to take on bigger roles along the defensive front this season.
Scott is particularly interesting after earning meaningful snaps during Miami’s College Football Playoff run, including starting in the National Championship Game against Indiana. Blount and Lightfoot also gained valuable postseason experience and now have an opportunity to move from rotation pieces into major contributors.
Add Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II into the mix and Miami certainly does not lack talent on the edge.
The challenge is turning that talent into consistent production.
Linebacker Chase Smith is another name worth following after appearing alongside the defensive linemen following Saturday’s practice. Injuries have disrupted much of his college career, but Smith now has an opportunity to establish himself in a position group looking for dependable starters alongside Mohamed Toure.
The Last Word from Across the Pond
Miami were never going to simply replace Bain and Mesidor like-for-like. Instead, the Canes need their next generation to step forward. Scott, Blount and Lightfoot have already experienced big-time football, and Wilson adds another proven option. Now we get to find out who is ready to become the next headline name in Miami’s defensive front.
