
College softball: Week 11 Top 25 and how to watch
Check out the Week 11 Top 25 college softball rankings and how to watch!
The Buccaneers are considering EDGE Akheem Mesidor from Miami for the 2026 NFL Draft due to their need for a pass rush. Mesidor had a standout 2025 season, leading the ACC in sacks and showcasing his potential as a starter.
A native of Ottawa, Canada, Mesidor has traversed a long, winding path to get to this point. After bouncing around several schools in Canada to maximize his football potential, he eventually transferred to Clearwater Academy International in Florida in 2019 and put himself on the map with 10 sacks and four forced fumbles. As a 3-star recruit, he received several Power 5 offers and eventually settled on West Virginia. He played on the interior with Mountaineers and showed solid productivity in 23 games (14 starts), recording 9.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. He decided to pursue a better developmental environment and transferred to Miami, where he struggled with foot injuries over multiple years before flourishing as a full-time edge in 2025 under Hall of Famer Jason Taylorâs tutelage. As a super senior, he led the team (and entire ACC) in sacks with 12.5, as well as leading Miami in tackles for loss (17.5) and forced fumbles (4). He earned second-team All-American honors and first-team All-ACC.
In 2025, Akheem Mesidor led the ACC with 12.5 sacks and recorded 17.5 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles.
At 25 years old, Mesidor's age raises concerns about his long-term potential and the need for him to make an immediate impact during his rookie contract.
Mesidor is an EDGE rusher known for his versatility, strong build, and ability to execute various pass-rushing techniques effectively.
The Buccaneers are in desperate need of a pass rush, making Mesidor a potential key addition to their defensive lineup.

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The 25-year-old measured in at roughly 6-foot-3, 260 pounds between the Scouting Combine and his pro day, and he also clocked in with 32 1/2â arms, an 80â wingspan, and 10â hands. Mesidor did not participate in any type of testing during the pre-draft process, so his Relative Athletic Score (RAS) is not known. He did take part in on-field drills for scouts at the Miami Pro Day. Given his advanced age (he turned 25 earlier this month) and history of injuries, not having any athletic testing on record is an interesting choice for a player who could use fewer red flags on his rĂ©sumĂ©. Nevertheless, itâs worth noting that Mesidor plays like a good-quality athlete, showing impressive burst and flexibility on tape with regularity. At the very least, itâs clear he is a not a *bad* athlete.
The main appeal of Mesidorâs prospect profile is that he is a turn-key pass rusher who should command a good share of snaps from Week 1, and in that sense the Buccaneers could certainly use that. Mesidorâs toolbox is impressively deep for a prospect, as he attacks outside and inside with a variety of moves and counters. His blend of Euro steps, cross-chops, and club-rips are a treat to watch, and even better is seeing how he effectively deploys them depending on the situation. Combine that with his naturally strong build and sheer determination, and you have the makings of a terrorizer with alignment versatility. Heâs polished in the run game as well, demonstrating the capability to set a firm edge, disengage from blockers, and sniff out misdirection. Put that all together, and thereâs no reason Mesidor shouldnât be starting opposite Yaya Diaby for the Buccaneers early on, with new signing Al-Quadin Muhammad and 2025 draft pick David Walker providing solid depth. Thatâs definitely a rotation worth feeling good about.
Mesidor is generally heralded as a first-round caliber prospect. The Athleticâs Dane Brugler rates Mesidor as his 28th overall player and fifth overall edge rusher.
âOverall, Mesidor wonât be universally loved because of his age and injury history, but he is a disruptive force off the edge who is always playing 100 mph. He projects as a three-down NFL starter, with interior value on subpackages.â
Dane Brugler, The Athletic NFL.comâs Lance Zierlein also rated Mesidor a first-round value as his EDGE5. Zierlein commented, âMesidor is an instinctive, high-effort edge rusher with a fluid rush style and a deep toolbox. He bursts upfield and can shrink the corner while punishing oversetting tackles with inside counters. He strings moves together with effortless mid-rush adjustments, utilizing harmonious hands and feet to carve efficient tracks into the pocket.â While the talent is Day 1 worthy, the age, injury woes, and questionable athletic profile could always induce a slide. Mesidor making it into Round 2 wouldnât be the craziest outcome, but top 50 feels assured regardless.
There you have it, Bucs Nation. Would you like to see the Buccaneers take a chance on Mesidor with 15th overall. Or, would you like to see a possible trade-down in Round 1 where they acquire extra draft capital and still find the opportunity to select him at better value? Discuss in the comments below!