The 2001 Miami Hurricanes might have had the best defense in college football history. That group had 11 players who would go on to become first-round picks in the NFL — household names like Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, Antrel Rolle, Jonathan Vilma, and Vince Wilfork.

The 2025 Hurricane defense would make that team proud. In 15 games this season, Miami has compiled 47 sacks, the most in the country, and 16 interceptions. Now a new generation of Hurricanes are making names for themselves. Defensive linemen Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor have combined for 19 sacks just themselves. Freshman defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald (six interceptions) and senior transfer Jakobe Thomas (five) have a boatload of picks.   

Miami will be chasing Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza all night, but expect to hear some of their names on future Sundays, too. Â