See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

Episode: Akheem Mesidor ONE-ON-ONE on Miami-Indiana National Championship
Date: January 16, 2026
Host: David Pollack
Guest: Akheem Mesidor, Miami Hurricanes star defensive lineman

Episode Overview

In this National Championship special, David Pollack sits down with Akheem Mesidor, a key figure on Miami’s defensive line, to discuss Miami's road to the title game against the favored Indiana Hoosiers. The conversation covers Mesidor’s transfer to Miami, inside stories about the Canes’ culture and preparation, coaching under Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, leadership on the squad, and what to expect from their championship opponent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Choosing Miami & First Impressions (01:00–01:54)

• Why Miami?
  • Mesidor explains that the program's history was compelling, but he was truly drawn in by the energy at practice, with players, coaches, and staff all contributing to a highly competitive environment.
    • "I came out to practice... everybody had a ton of energy. Not just the players, but the coaches, the strength staff running up and down the sideline... I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of." — Akheem Mesidor (01:32)

2. The Drama of Selection Sunday (01:54–03:13)

• Anxieties and Doubts:
  • Mesidor shares the tense atmosphere as the team awaited playoff selection, feeling their achievements were continually downplayed by media narratives.
    • "I was super nervous... they tossed all the good things we did to the side and focused on the negative... when I finally saw the U pop up, I was super excited." — Akheem Mesidor (02:08)
• Embracing the Gauntlet:
  • Miami faced a tough playoff path: Texas A&M, Ohio State, Ole Miss, then undefeated Indiana.
    • "After we've been through all them games going into this national championship, now nobody can, you know, nobody can count us out." — Akheem Mesidor (02:54)

3. Being an Underdog (03:13–03:35)

• Comfortable as the Underdog:
  • Mesidor isn’t fazed by Miami being significant underdogs.
    • "That's fine. I like being underdog. I've been an underdog my whole life." — Akheem Mesidor (03:31)

4. Learning from Jason Taylor (03:35–04:38)

• Impact of a Hall of Fame Coach:
  • Jason Taylor’s mentoring is described as key to both technique and mentality.
    • "It's awesome. He's, you know, he's like a big brother to me... football is like 80% mental, 20 physical... pass rushing is simple... It's really just simple." — Akheem Mesidor (03:53)

5. Teammates: Athleticism & Grit (04:38–06:11)

• Most Athletic Hurricane:
  • Joshua is named as the most athletic player, praised for size and agility.
    • "He's super athletic. He's tall, 6'4, 6'5..." — Akheem Mesidor (04:42)
• Work Ethic of Malachi Tony:
  • Malachi set himself apart even before spring ball, with legendary late-night solo practice.
    • "He'd be here late... alone, catching jugs and stuff." — Akheem Mesidor (06:11)

6. Carson Beck’s Leadership (06:37–07:41)

• Transition and Chemistry:
  • Beck, a transfer QB, quietly built relationships and ultimately became a respected leader.
    • "First meeting Carson, he's super quiet... But he's a genuine guy. He's a nice guy. And he's a leader." — Akheem Mesidor (06:52)

7. Locker Room Vibes: Trash Talk & Player Dynamics (07:41–08:00)

• Best Trash Talker:
  • Immediately identifies Cooper as the “loudest” in locker room banter.
    • "He just talks the most. He won't stop." — Akheem Mesidor (07:51)

8. Inside Mario Cristobal (08:00–08:47)

• Coach’s Authenticity:
  • Confirms Cristobal’s intense, physical persona is the same on and off camera.
    • "He loves UFC. He always wants to fight. Talking about fighting and stuff being physical... he's the same guy every day." — Akheem Mesidor (08:20)
• Playful Banter:
  • Mesidor quips about dominating against Cristobal’s own playing days.
    • "He tries to trash talk about his pass set, but I tell him I kill him every time." — Akheem Mesidor (08:47)

9. Practice Battles: Offensive Line Adversaries (08:47–09:02)

• Hardest Lineman to Face:
  • Markel gets the nod for his length and difficulty in drills.

10. Scouting Indiana & Fernando Mendoza (09:02–10:00)

• Indiana’s Identity:
  • The team is disciplined, experienced, and built around high-effort transfers and a dynamic QB.
    • "They're not the most talented... they're older... they're super disciplined. They love to run the ball... Mendoza, he can throw the ball... super accurate, smart, patient." — Akheem Mesidor (09:21)

11. Mesidor vs. Reuben Bane: The Competition (10:00–10:38)

• Deflects the Rivalry:
  • On who’s better between him and Bane:
    • "I'm tired of this question. Y' all gonna have to see." — Akheem Mesidor (10:06)
• The Edge of Competition:
  • Pollack reflects on the importance of pushing each other, with Mesidor confirming constant extra work.

12. Closing: Season Accomplishments & Next Steps (10:38–10:57)

• Pollack Congratulates Mesidor:
  • A nod to the hard-fought season and NFL aspirations ahead.
    • "Congratulations on the season, man. Hey, job's not done, right?... Congrats on a great season, man." — David Pollack (10:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On transferring to Miami:
  "I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of." — Akheem Mesidor (01:32)
• On Selection Sunday stress:
  "They tossed all our, all the good things we did to the side and focused on the negative." — Akheem Mesidor (02:08)
• On Jason Taylor’s coaching:
  "Pass rushing is simple... whatever your favorite move is, bend the corner... It's really just simple." — Akheem Mesidor (03:53)
• On the culture under Cristobal:
  "He's the same guy every day. He loves UFC. He always wants to fight." — Akheem Mesidor (08:20)
• When asked about Reuben Bane rivalry:
  "Y' all just gonna have to see. I'm tired of this question." — Akheem Mesidor (10:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Why Miami? — 01:32
• Selection Sunday Emotions — 02:08
• Underdog Mentality — 03:31
• Jason Taylor’s Influence — 03:53
• Athleticism on the Team — 04:42
• Malachi Tony Work Ethic — 06:11
• Carson Beck’s Leadership — 06:52
• Best Trash Talker — 07:51
• Coach Cristobal’s Character — 08:20
• Indiana Scouting Report — 09:21
• Bane vs. Mesidor Rivalry — 10:06

Tone and Flow

The episode is candid, fast-paced, and filled with football insight. Mesidor is open and poised, with a competitive edge; Pollack’s style brings out stories, humor, and authenticity. The focus is on culture, preparation, overcoming doubt, and the hunger for greatness, all told through unfiltered locker room language and high-energy banter.

For listeners seeking insight into Miami’s rise, upcoming talent, and the state of national championship football in 2026, this episode is a go-to.