ESPN names Miami Hurricanes' under-the-radar player for 2026, and it could lead to a repeat of 2025

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Hayden Lowe (14) against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Hurricanes had a dominating pair of defensive ends in 2025. Could an encore performance be the works next season? One analyst thinks so.

The Miami Hurricanes had a dominating pair of defensive ends last year in the form of Rueben Bain, Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. The devastating duo helped a physical and swarming Canes defense take over games on the way to the program’s first national championship game appearance in over two decades.

But Bain and Mesidor are now off to play on Sundays, having both been drafted in the first round of last month’s NFL Draft. And sights have since turned to the 2026 season, with spring football already in the books.

So, who could be some new stars that help the Hurricanes take that final step back towards the top of the mountain this fall? ESPN listed their under-the-radar player for each top 25 team, and Andrea Adelson tabbed Miami DE Hayden Lowe as the one for the Canes.

ESPN names Miami DE Hayden Lowe as under-the-radar player for the Hurricanes in 2026

“Lowe got to Miami last year as a five-star prospect, and within the first few weeks of practice, coaches thought he would be able to make an immediate impact,” Adelson wrote. “But he got hurt and missed the season, giving him valuable time to watch and learn from Akheem Mesidor and  With Mesidor and Bain off to the NFL, Miami has a definite need at the defensive end spot. Outside of transfer , Miami doesn’t have much in the way of proven talent at the position. But the early returns on Lowe are promising. ‘My expectations for him are through the roof,’ coach Mario Cristobal said.”