Who is Rueben Bain Jr.? What to know of Miami star DL ahead of Fiesta Bowl

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Rueben Bain Jr. has been a force during the 2025 College Football Playoff for Miami football.

The Hurricanes’ defensive lineman had a three-sack performance against No. 7 Texas A&M in a 10-3 win in the first round, followed up by another sack in the 24-14 win over No. 4 Ohio State in the CFP Cotton Bowl victory.

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If Miami wants to advance to the CFP championship game for the first time since 2003, it will need another big game from Bain. The No. 10 Hurricanes (12-2) take on No. 6 Ole Miss (13-1) at 7:30 p.m. ET from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Here’s everything to know about Miami’s top defensive player ahead of its CFP semifinal matchup against the Rebels:

Who is Rueben Bain Jr.?

Bain has been a major reason the Hurricanes’ defense has limited their opponents to just 17 points through the first two rounds. The junior earned a starting job with Miami early on in his career and has not looked back.

He has four sacks through two games in the playoffs, including a three-sack performance in the first round against Texas A&M in a 10-3 win. His 45 total tackles this season are a career-high, as are the 13.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

Bain recorded his first career interception and returned it for 12 yards in the season-opening 27-24 win for the Hurricanes over Notre Dame. Interestingly, that victory is what helped Miami edge Notre Dame for a CFP berth in the eyes of the committee.

Even as a freshman, Bain made a major impact for Miami. He earned a starting job by his third game and finished with 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He has matched the sack total as a junior this season.

Bain led Miami Central High School to four state titles, totaling 77 sacks during his high school career.

Rueben Bain Jr. age

Bain was born on Sept. 8, 2004, making him 21 years old for the 2025 college football season. He will also still be 21 when he enters the 2026 NFL Draft, as is widely expected. Bain will be 22 by the time the 2026 NFL season starts.

He played high school football at Miami Central High in Miami.

Rueben Bain Jr. recruiting ranking

Bain, part of the 2023 recruiting class, was the No. 62 overall player and No. 11 edge rusher in the class, per 247Sports’ Composite ratings. He committed to his hometown Hurricanes over offers from major programs like Florida State, Alabama and Auburn.

Here’s a look at Bain’s recruiting ranking out of high school:

  • Stars: 4
  • National rating: No. 62
  • Position ranking: No. 11 edge
  • State ranking: No. 15 in Florida

Rueben Bain Jr. NFL mock draft

Bain is expected to be picked in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft in April. The defensive lineman is projected to go anywhere between No. 5 and No. 15 in recent mock drafts:

Rueben Bain Jr. stats

Here’s a look at Bain’s stats in his three collegiate seasons with the Hurricanes:

  • 2023: 44 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one pass breakup and one pass deflection
  • 2024: 23 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks
  • 2025: 45 total tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and one pass deflection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Rueben Bain Jr.? What to know of Miami star DL ahead of Fiesta Bowl

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