Miami Star Flashed Early First Round Potential Against No. 6 Notre Dame
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In case you forgot, the Miami Hurricanes have more than just one early first-round pick on this potential national championship-contending roster.
Rueben Bain Jr. played at an elite, explosive level in the Hurricanes' 27-24 victory over No. 6 Notre Dame, showcasing why he is viewed as a potential top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bain did everything he was exactly supposed to against the Fighting Irish — be a game wrecker. Bain was that and more for the Hurricanes.
Rueben Bain on actual dropback pass rush opportunities last night.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) September 1, 2025
16 rush snaps
43.8% win rate
31.3% pressure rate
1 sack, 1 hit, 5 pressures
Was so disruptive that they started having QB do quick game from gun and just hang out 6 yards deep, and he still got the corner. pic.twitter.com/nuVykaunkS
After dealing with a nagging calf injury last season, Bain was set to make an instant impact to kick-start his final season with the Hurricanes. He is healthier, leaner, faster, stronger, and more explosive, flashing what he was able to do during his freshman season with the Canes.
Against one of the better offensive lines in the country, Bain threw around his primary matchups of Anthinoe Knapp (No. 54) and Aamil Wager (No. 59) all night, resulting in the highest Hurricane PFF Grade of 93.5 against the Irish.
What also helped was Bain feeling disrespected on the night, thanks to a few articles written about him from the Fighting Irish national media. It was evident in his aggression and performance, highlighted by three solo tackles, 0.5 sacks, 5 pressures, one hit, and one miraculous interception.
Rueben Bain Jr. - top 5 player in the 26 class pic.twitter.com/N81EHUabIs
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) September 1, 2025
Bain used every tool he had against the Fighting Irish. He swam through almost everyone in front of him, and his growth with his arm swipes and push-offs has clearly been taken to another level. That is the training that he gets from the Hurricanes' defensive line coach, Jason Taylor.
Also, credit defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, who has allowed Bain to play free, move free, and be as aggressive as he needed to be. Head coach Mario Cristobal credits this play to the work that Bain did during the offseason and the effort as a leader.
The future is bright for the potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft Class. There is still more season to be played out, but the Canes have a bright future with Bain returning to his game-wrecker status.
Miami Hurricanes News:
Justice Sandle is a graduate of Mississippi State University and is the site lead for the Miami Hurricanes on SI. He can be reached at Twitter @Justice_News5.
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Justice Sandle is a graduate of Mississippi State University earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Communications with a concentration in Print and Digital Journalism. During his time in Starkville, he spent a year as an intern working for Mississippi State On SI primarily covering basketball, football, baseball, and soccer while writing, recording, and creating multimedia stories during his tenor. Since graduating, he has assumed the role of lead staff writer for Miami Hurricanes On SI covering football, basketball, baseball, and all things Hurricanes related.
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