Rueben Bain

The accolades came in droves for Rueben Bain during his first season with Miami – Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year, freshman All-American and third team All-ACC honors. But Miami coach Mario Cristobal believes that success is just the beginning for Bain. "He is going to end up being one of the best players to go to the University of Miami," Cristobal said. " He is as talented, as driven and as tough as it gets. His best football is ahead of him.” Bain, a former standout at Miami Central, tied with linebacker Francisco Mauigoa for the team lead last season with 7.5 sacks in 2023, which was the second most in college football among freshman defensive linemen. Bain also forced three fumbles, had four quarterback hurries and one pass breakup in 2023. “His ceiling is off the roof,” Mauigoa said. “He’s an amazing individual off the field, and he’s a phenomenal football player. The things that he did as a freshman, that was just the beginning."