Lombardi Award is third 2024 preseason watch list for Rueben Bain

Defensive lineman Rueben Bain added to his growing list of preseason watch lists after being named the Lombardi Award on Thursday. Bain was previously named to the Bednarik Award watch list and the Preseason All-ACC Team. The Lombardi Award is presented to the best college football offensive or defensive lineman annually.

Bain had a breakout freshman season that culminated in him being named the 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Bain had 44 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 3.0 forced fumbles and 1.0 pass defended in 2023. Before being named to the Lombardi Award watch list, Bain was included in ESPN's 2024 top 100 players on Thursday.

Bain is the sole Miami defensive player in the ESPN Top 100 and is ranked as the 43rd best on their list. Defensive tackle Warren Sapp in 1994 is the only Miami player to earn the Lombardi Award. Sapp had 84 tackles led Miami with 10.5 sacks, had 9.0 TFLs, 9.0 forced, fumbles and 25 quarterback pressures in 1994.

Bain is one of 12 Miami players who have been named to preseason watch lists or ACC Player of the Year (Cam Ward). Five Miami players have received multiple 2024 preseason recognition. Bain, linebacker Francisco Mauigoa, kicker Andres Borregales, quarterback Cam Ward and wide receiver Xavier Restrepo earned preseason All-ACC.

As a full time starter in 2024, Bain should challenge to be an All-American. Bain, Akheem Mesidor, Elijah Alston and Tyler Baron give Miami one of the best group of edge rushers nationally. Alston, Baron and Mesidor being on the Miami roster will make it difficult for opponents to double-team Bain in 2024.

Players considered for the Lombardi Award have to be an offensive or defensive lineman or linebacker. Surprisingly, Francisco Mauigoa was not named to the Lombardi Award preseason watch list. Miami has players on nearly every 2024 preseason watch list.