2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Hurricane’s Defensive Lineman Rueben Bain, Jr.

Rueben Bain, Jr. made an immediate impact after arriving on campus in 2023. He started as a freshman by game three, collecting 44 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss on the season. But more impressively, he registered 7.5 sacks. With those numbers as a first-year starter, of course he turned NFL heads. 

2024 was a bit of a disappointment for Bain, who suffered a leg injury that cost him four games and haunted him for the rest of the season. He did make 23 tackles, 5.5 for losses, and still managed to register 3.5 sacks, toughing it out through a nagging injury. 

Strengths 

Bain is a freakish athlete for his size and position. At 6’3” and 275 lbs., Bain plays with a blend of power, speed and will power. He flashes his non-stop motor attitude on every down and can get after the quarterback off the edge at pro-level times. He’s big enough to play in the 4-3 defense as a defensive end but can truly hold his own out on the edge in a 3-4 style of play. This will be intriguing to NFL coordinators who will enjoy some positional flexibility with Bain. 

And Bain’s showed the ability in 2024 to play through injury and not complain. His numbers were down from his freshman year, but he still fought through and contributed to playoff contending team.

Weaknesses

While it may seem counterintuitive, NFL scouts will still want to see Bain play the 2025 season fully healthy. If he can repeat or exceed the numbers he had in 2023, he should find his way into top-10 conversations in NFL war rooms. 

That said, Bain has the frame to add some weight. It’s not a matter of strength, but playing at his current weight in the interior of a defense at the next level may be hard. As an edge, he’s the ideal size, but to play and contribute consistently in the run game may require him to bulk up before he arrives at an NFL camp. 

Conclusion

Rueben Bain, Jr. has the skill set and elite athleticism of a top-10 pick. His injury hampered him last year, making him a bit of a mystery to NFL scouts. Will he have a breakout season and push to be in the top-10 or even top-5 conversations next year? Or will he struggle to regain his 2023 form? Draft Nation bets he flourishes (barring injury) in the coming season, making him perhaps the first defensive lineman off the board in next year’s draft