Rueben Bain is out of the Heisman race but he could still bring home some hardware

At the start of the season, Miami EDGE rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was on many shortlists for the Heisman. Now, after Miami has lost two of its last three games, the hype has cooled off. But, it doesn't mean that Bain is going to go home empty-handed.

Bain was named one of 13 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation's top college lineman or linebacker who best embodies Vince Lombardi's discipline, performance and leadership. The Lombardi Award committee announced the semifinalists this week and the award will be presented Dec. 10 in Houston.

Bain's recognition arrives in the midst of a resurgent junior season that even out him in the Heisman race earlier in the year. Through eight games, the Miami native has totaled 30 tackles (16 solo), five tackles for loss and two sacks, with an interception in the opener against Notre Dame. He has been the face of a Miami defense that has undergone a complete 180 degree turn from last season.

Bain also opened the year on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list and was included in the preseason Chuck Bednarik Award watch list. Bain has a strong to chance to become a semifinalist/finalist for both honors. Neither award have revealed anything beyond a preseason watch list.

Bain and Miami return to the field on Saturday against Syracuse at Hard Rock Stadium.

2025 Lombardi Award semifinalists

• Keylan Rutledge, OG — Georgia Tech
• Rueben Bain Jr., DE — Miami
• Aiden Fisher, LB — Indiana
• Arvell Reese, LB — Ohio State
• Caden Curry, DE — Ohio State
• Sonny Styles, LB — Ohio State
• Matayo Uiagalelei, DE — Oregon
• David Bailey, DE — Texas Tech
• Jacob Rodriguez, LB — Texas Tech
• Spencer Fano, OT — Utah
• Kadyn Proctor, OT — Alabama
• Cashius Howell, DE — Texas A&M
• Eli Stowers, TE — Vanderbilt