The Heisman Trophy Belongs to A Defensive Player This Season

Rueben Bain Jr. might not be a quarterback, but he should be the Heisman Trophy favorite after week 4.

Sep 6, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) reacts after a sack against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Heisman Trophy has always been a quarterback or offensive award. There have been a few exceptions, ideally last season when the best player in college football, Travis Hunter, was honored with the prestigious award.

Last year was the start of a new trend of two of the top players for the award were not quarterbacks, while the third and fourth place votes, Dillon Gabriel and Cam Ward, were almost viewed as afterthoughts during award season.

This season feels similar. No outstanding quarterbacks are playing at an elite level. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is playing great football, but there is only one player who is playing like the best player in all of college football.

Miami defensive edge Rueben Bain Jr. has been a monster since his first season with the Canes. The 2023 ACC Freshman Defensive Player of the Year was unstoppable. The following season, it was clear that he was hampered by injuries. He had a down year, but now, he is 100 percent healthy and should be the Heisman favorite this season.

Another Rueben Bain Jr MASTERCLASS🙌 pic.twitter.com/pXNkW61CZK

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 22, 2025

Bain has been a relentless force this season. So far, he has had historic PFF numbers and has been one of the most unblockable edge rushers in the country. He was highly touted already after his freshman season, but as of now, he could make a play to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Plenty have asked or thought if Miami has the two best defensive ends in college football.

And it’s true…

Rueben Bain Jr.:
29.9% Pass Rush Win Rate (No. 1 in nation)

Akheem Mesidor:
29.2% Pass Rush Win Rate (No. 2 in nation) https://t.co/qO58fkvajs pic.twitter.com/pFcoerQ7he

— Geo Milian (@GeoMilian) September 21, 2025

"He loves the physicality of the game, he throws his body around recklessly, he has some of the heaviest hands you'll ever see. People don't realize he's 275 pounds and runs like he's 225.

Mario Cristobal

Bain, so far this season, has totaled 22 total tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, one interception, and one pass deflection. He is the prototype for a star defensive player, and his name belongs in these conversations.

There is no reason that this year should be any different. There have only been two defensive players who have ever won the Heisman, and both have been cornerbacks. Bain would be the first of his kind to win the award and start the new trend, giving more opportunities to others on the defensive side of the ball for this honor.

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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