Aug 31, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) slides for a first down while Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) attempts to tackle during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Where Rueben Bain Jr. Ranks Among the Most Important Players in the 2025 College Football Season

Originally posted on Miami Hurricanes on SI
By Justice Sandle | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 8:09 AM ET

The Miami Hurricanes have a good problem. They have two of the most important players in college football this season according to ESPN.

New quarterback Carson Beck was ranked in the top ten most important players this season, as many eyes will be on him in the orange and green. The other player in ESPN's 40 most important players in the 2025 college football season is standout edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.

After an incredible freshman debut in 2023, Bain was hurt just three snaps into 2024, sat out more than a month and flashed a true fifth gear only a few times while the Miami defense crumbled down the stretch. But as with Harold Perkins Jr., the potential here is obvious, and if he is all the way back up to speed and Miami's transfer-heavy secondary holds up, the Canes could leave most league contenders in the dust.

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

His freshman All-American season was a glimpse into what he could be for the Hurricanes in the future. It just did not play out the way many hoped last season. Bain's sophomore year was plagued by nagging injuries. It held him back, and after missing a month of action, the lack of explosiveness could be seen on the field. He is healthier now and is prepared to take himself to the next level.

What will also help is a new defensive coordinator who will let him be the game wrecker everyone wants him to be.

“Stick together and stay disciplined," Bain said. "Last year, I feel like we kind of lost track of that. They brought that up to us in the meetings, how we ended out the year last year. Like I was telling the team, we’ve just got to be consistent from the first game to the last whistle of the season. Just be the same person, same player, every day.”