Miami, FL. – Miami defensive lineman Reuben Bain Jr. has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Defensive Player of the Year, the league announced on Wednesday. This achievement marks the first time a Miami player has received this prestigious award.
This recognition adds to the already distinguished accomplishments of Bain’s career. The true junior from Miami, Florida, made a significant impact during the 2023 season, earning the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year award after recording 44 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles as a freshman.
Malachi Toney has been named the ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year
In 2025, Bain continued to be a key contributor to Miami’s defense, finishing the regular season with 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception over 12 starts. He began the season with a notable performance against Notre Dame, tallying six tackles, one sack, and an interception, and he also recorded a season-high seven tackles against Florida. His final stats included 1.5 sacks at Pittsburgh.
Bain played a vital role in a Miami defense that led the ACC and ranked among the top units nationally in several categories, including total defense (277.8 yards per game), rushing defense (86.8 yards), scoring defense (13.8 points), and sacks (2.83 per game).
Beyond the statistics, Bain’s impact was reflected in his grading. He received a 92.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, the highest among all edge rushers in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) this season. His rush-defense grade was 88.4, ranking fourth nationally, while his pass-rush grade of 91.9 was tenth-best among all players. Additionally, he generated 57 total pressures, placing him among the top players nationally, and ranking fifth in this category.
Over three seasons, Bain has accumulated 104 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, and 15.5 sacks in 34 games, establishing himself as one of the most disruptive defenders in the ACC.
A graduate of Miami Central High School, Bain was highly regarded coming out of high school. He was a consensus four-star recruit, ranked as high as the No. 70 overall player nationally and recognized as one of the top 10 defensive ends by multiple recruiting services. Bain helped lead Miami Central to four state championships, finished his high school career with 77 sacks, and received the 2022 Nat Moore Trophy as South Florida’s top player.
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