ESPN names Rueben Bain one of 10 breakout players for 2024

Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain who was the 2023 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year was named by ESPN as one of its "Ten breakout players" for 2024 in their article "100 days to college football: Top games, players, contenders."

Bain had a breakout season in the ACC in 2023 earning freshman All-American. If Miami can contend for an ACC Championship Game berth and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff, Bain can have a breakout season nationally.

Bain had one of the best seasons by a freshman pass rusher since Pro Football Focus began grading college in 2014. Bain led Miami defensive linemen in tackles, was second on the Hurricanes in tackles for loss and tied for the team lead in sacks in 2023.

Bain tied for the national lead among freshmen in TFLs and was second in sacks in 2023. Expect Bain to increase his numbers in 2024. Bain did not become a starter until the third game of the 2023 season. Bain played 626 snaps in 2024. Miami will be deeper at edge rusher in 2024 after being hindered by injuries in 2023.

"6. Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami: Bain was one of the more impressive freshmen in the country on defense last season. The 6-3, 275-pound edge rusher started 11 games and had 44 tackles, 12.5 for loss, 7.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. The Hurricanes disappointed as a team last year, dampening the shine on Bain's season, but if his first year in college is any indication, the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year has the makings of a star."

- Paolo Uggetti, ESPN

Akheem Mesidor returns for Miami at edge rusher after suffering a season-ending injury during week two in 2023. Mesidor and Marshall transfer Elijah Alston should help take double teams away from Bain in 2024. Miami defensive coordinator Lance Guidry changed Miami from a 4-2-5 to a 3-3-5 alignment in 2023 due to injury.

Expect Bain to earn preseason All-ACC and some recognition as pre-season All-American. Bain already has recognition as one of the top-edge rushers nationally. Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus named Bain one of the top 10 edge rushers if everyone had been eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Miami has the potential to be a dominant defensive line in 2024 if everyone stays healthy. The Hurricanes were 22nd nationally with 35 sacks in 2023 and 18th with 88 sacks. With Bain entering his second season, Mesidor healthy and the addition of Alston, Miami should improve their TFLs and sacks in 2024.