National CFB writer names Rueben Bain top 5 most excited to watch play in 2024

Associated Press National College Football Writer Ralph Russo posted on X that "Rueben Bain Jr. would be on my list of 5 players I'm most excited to watch play in 2024." Russo said Bain is "Capable of a Chase Young/Will Anderson/Aidan Hutchinson-type season. And (Keith Jackson voice) just a so-pho-more!"

Bain had a breakout freshman season. That culminated in him being named the 2023 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Bain had 44 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one pass defended and three forced fumbles. Midseason games in 2023 versus North Carolina, Virginia and Clemson were breakout performances for Bain.

Bain had three tackles, 1.5 TFLs, one sack and a forced fumble versus North Carolina, eight tackles, 8 2.0 TFLs and 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble versus Clemson and 7 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2.0 sacks and pass defended versus Virginia. Miami needs more consistency from Bain in 2023.

With teams keying on Bain, he had 11 tackles, two TFLs and one sack in the final four regular-season games in 2023. Bain finished strong with seven tackles and three TFLs in the Pinstripe Bowl versus Rutgers.

Bain is projected to be part of a deep and elite Miami defensive line in 2024. Miami returns Nyjalik Kelly and Akheem Mesidor, added Marshall transfer Elijah Alston and signed the best 2024 DL class. Bain and Mesidor give Miami versatility the ability to play edge rusher or tackle.

Bain can take his game up another level in 2024. If Bain produces throughout the season like he did in the middle of 2023, he has the potential to be a 2024 All-American. The comparisons to Anderson, Hutchinson and Young indicate the respect Bain has nationally and how high his ceiling is.