Bain earned back-to-back ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors after the Hurricanes’ overtime wins over both Clemson and Virginia. He’s been recognized as a midseason True Freshman All-American by 247 Sports and earlier this week, was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
His team-high 6.5 sacks rank among the top-15 players in the nation and according to Pro Football Focus, Bain has been credited with more quarterback pressures than most of the players considered to be the top defensive line prospects in college football ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
“He’s a game-wrecker. That’s what he is,” Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal said of Bain after the freshman logged a team-high eight tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and two quarterback hurries in Miami’s 28-20 double overtime win over Clemson on Oct. 21. “It’s not only that he’s gifted, he just plays the game at a relentless level, like really uncommon and tonight, it showed against some veteran players. He was as disruptive as it got.”
Said veteran Miami offensive lineman Javion Cohen of Bain, “Man, a lot of props to Coach Cristobal for getting him in here. That was a big pickup for this program. Players like Rueben Bain come in here as quote-unquote ‘freshmen,’ but that’s just their class title. They’re like three-year players. They prepare like a pro. They approach practice like a pro, and they just give all-out effort, you know? … He’s somebody you want on your sideline. I heard the NC State coach [Dave Doeren] say he wished he wasn’t on our sideline this Saturday, but it’s true. That’s somebody you want on your side, and I think he’s going to be a popular name for years to come.”
For his part, the soft-spoken Bain has taken all the attention that’s come with his stellar play in stride.
Teammates like Cohen and veteran defensive lineman Branson Deen praise the freshman’s relentless work ethic, one that is often on display when he stays after practices on Greentree to get in a few extra reps with his teammates and older brother. Coaches say Bain is starting to find his voice as one of the leaders in Miami’s locker room.
And in the community, the former four-star prospect who won four state titles at Miami Central – the high school alma mater he and his brother share – is beloved by both Rockets and Hurricanes fans, many of whom make it a point to say hello when they see Bain out and about.
Those interactions, the freshman said, have helped make an already-memorable season that much more special.
“I’d definitely just say the love from the community, really, has been a highlight,” Bain said. “Walking out of the gates at the games and signing hats, taking pictures, just enjoying the fans really. Having the chance to cheer with them, talk to them, get love from them, and show love to them – I feel like it’s a two-way street. They show love and respect to me, I do the same for them.”
For Bain, being a Hurricane – and helping Miami return to college football glory – is extremely personal.
He grew up in South Florida, cheering the program where his cousin, former Miami cornerback Tolbert Bain, won a national championship. He dreamed of the opportunity to one day wear orange and green himself.
That dream became a reality earlier this year when, as an early enrollee, he walked onto the Greentree Practice Fields for the first time as a Hurricane.
It was a moment he still hasn’t forgotten, a moment that reminded him of all he wanted to achieve, both for the Hurricanes and himself.
“It was surreal. They had recruits all out there. I was going through drills, and I looked up and I could see my mom in the distance. I was on the field with my brother, with [defensive ends line coach Jason] Taylor and it was like, ‘Wow, I’m definitely in college,’” Bain said. “And then when I saw scouts come out here, walking past them and seeing people from all 32 [NFL] teams, I was like, ‘This is my dream coming true.’ After this, it’s that.”
