After leading the nation in sacks, DC Corey Hetherman’s unit reloads with NFL-caliber talent. Veteran NT Ahmad Moten Sr. and key transfers aim to maintain the Miami Hurricanes' newfound defensive dominance.
MIAMI, Fla. – Ahead of the 2025 college football season, first-year defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman was presented with a tall task of turning the Miami Hurricanes’ defense around. The unit was ranked 70th among Football Bowl Subdivision programs the previous year. Despite Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Cam Ward and All-American wide receiver Xavier Restrepo lighting up scoreboards, the defense wasn’t as consistent.
After falling short of ACC title and College Football Playoff hopes, Hetherman completely flipped the script. The Hurricanes had the fifth-best scoring defense among Football Bowl Subdivision programs, including a nation’s leading 50 sacks. Among the several factors were edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr. They were regarded as the nation’s most dominant defensive duo.
Both program stars declared for the 2026 NFL Draft and were first-round selections. Despite the heavy losses, the Hurricanes still have a defensive line looking to translate its dominant production into the upcoming season.
Among the leaders is nose tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. The Fort Lauderdale native is coming off a career season: 31 total tackles, 20 solos and 11 assists, nine tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks in 14 games, all starts. Despite battling through injuries in the College Football Playoffs, Moten Sr. still caused havoc at the line of scrimmage.
The redshirt senior didn’t participate in spring practices, including the exhibition game at Cobb Stadium, but he’s expected to be ready ahead of fall camp. Ahead of the upcoming season, Moten Sr. is projected as a first-round talent in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Next to him is returning junior defensive tackle Justin Scott – projected as a full-time starter. He stacked 26 total tackles, 15 solos and 11 assists, 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, a pass broken up, and a pass defended in 15 games, including nine starts. Scott will be eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft while still having another year of NCAA eligibility.
Despite losing two dominant edge rushers, the Hurricanes have a couple of in-house talents looking to fill the voids: Marquise Lightfoot and Hayden Lowe. Plus, Missouri transfer and All-SEC honoree Damon Wilson II arrived at Coral Gables intending to make the same strides as Mesidor and Bain Jr.
According to Bleacher Report, the Hurricanes have the best defensive line in college football. Given the stacked talent up front, Hetherman and defensive line coach Jason Taylor will have an enormous amount of talent to work with, including Ohio State transfer Jarquez Carter, Armondo Blount, and Nebraska transfer Keona Davis.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
