Akheem Mesidor played his way into first-round NFL Draft territory after finally getting a healthy season at Miami, where he became one of the best pass rushers in the country. If he hears his name called in the opening round, the 25-year-old would also make history as the first Canadian ever selected that early.
Mesidor’s rise has been slowed for years by injuries that followed him from West Virginia to Miami, including a foot injury that wiped out the 2023 season. He has played only three full years of college football because of those setbacks, and his path to this point has been anything but straight.
The Miami Hurricanes defender said at Fiesta Bowl media day that the opportunity to reach major college football is not the same for everyone back home in Canada. “A lot of guys back home don't get this opportunity,” Mesidor said, adding that many of the people he grew up with also dreamed of playing Division I football but never got the chance. “Most of the people I grew up with all played football. They all had dreams and aspirations to play D-I football, but not everybody can make it out. A small number of guys are able to do that.”
That is part of why Mesidor said he tries to carry those hopes with him. He said he wants to live his friends’ dreams through his own career and brings back gear whenever he can so they can share in the experience. “And I was able to do that. I try to live their dreams through me. Every time I can, I bring back gear for them, or whatever it is. I want them to be able to experience this as much as they possibly can. Any message I have for any Canadian or international students is just understand you're at a disadvantage, but embrace that and keep working because anything is possible,” he said.
Mesidor’s college career also included a season playing inside as a defensive tackle before he moved back outside, a reminder of how often Miami had to adjust around his health. Last season was the first time he had ever been healthy, and it turned into the year that pushed him into the draft conversation. The remaining question is whether NFL teams will make the leap with him in the first round and turn a long, interrupted path into a piece of Canadian football history.