Does Rueben Bain Jr. Have a Legitimate Shot at Heisman Glory?
First off, let’s take a look at the current Heisman favorites as of September 23, 2025.
2025 Heisman Favorites:
Fernando Mendoza (QB | Indiana) +650
Dante Moore (QB | Oregon) +1000
Jeremiah Smith (WR | Ohio State) +1000
Carson Beck (QB | Miami) +1200
Gunner Stockton (QB | Georgia) +1200
Marcel Reed (QB | Texas A&M) +1400
Jayden Maiava (QB | USC) +1400
Josh Hoover (QB | TCU) +1400
Joey Aguilar (QB | Tennessee) +1400
*Fanduel Odds
Are we surprised that eight out of the top nine Heisman favorites (as of now) are quarterbacks? The short answer is no. It’s the same thing in the NFL, since the MVP and Heisman has been an award, we mainly see quarterbacks win the award and at the very least are favored way heavier in the voting process over other position players.
Are quarterbacks really the most valued player out there? What about the offensive-line of Indiana’s that is elite and allows Mendoza 3.5 seconds to throw the ball? What about a speedy wide receiver, like Jeremiah Smith, who breaks coverages and is wide open for QB Julian Sayin to drop the ball into his hands? Once the ball is released, it is Smith’s job to not only continue to run and beat the ball to the spot, catch and haul it in, and then proceed to keep running and break tackles. But yet, the quarterback who has 4-5 guys protecting him who threw the ball gets all of the credit… Interesting, right?
Now I am not discrediting quarterbacks, but at some point when do we start taking notice of more guys on the team. Rather than the “big piece” who is under center throwing dimes.
In this year’s case, I believe the man who should be gaining traction is the 6’3 276 pound defensive end in Miami. His name would be Reuben Bain. The 2023 ACC Defensive rookie of the year has been a MENACE this year. In just four games he has racked up 22 tackles (11 solo), 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and an interception. He is rated as the number one overall defensive player in all of college football. Let’s break it down.
PFF Rankings
Defense Grade: 95.8 (Ranks 1st overall)
Rushing Grade: 92.6 (Ranks 2nd overall)
Pass Rush: 92.3 (Ranks 7th overall)
In 2023 when he won ACC Defensive rookie of the year, he accumulated 7.5 sacks but his defensive rating was 82.2. Last year he was a little shaky dipping to 79.8, but a major increase that God willing he stays healthy will stay within the 90s with his exceptional play.
J’Dan Burnett from Tulsa is graded as the second best defensive player in the league with a 93.9 rating. Under him is Cam’Ron Stewart from Temple with a 93.8.
Bain holds nearly two points over the second ranked player in Burnett, and for him to hold that whilst playing versus three ranked teams speaks to the menace he has been on the field.
With Bain’s play so far on the defensive side of the ball in CFB, it begs the question- where does he fit in the Heisman voting?
The only guy that would put up a fight against Bain on the defensive side of the ball would be Ohio State’s safety, Caleb Downs, who has also excelled while playing at such a high level.
“Bain has been a bigger impact player thus far this year. Bain has been a game wrecker. No one can block him on the line of scrimmage. The pressure he puts on the opposing quarterback is immense. And yet he’s also great against the run. And he also has a great motor and pursues. It’s wild how good this guy is.”
-Fox Sports Host, Joel Klatt
“Bain might be the most impactful defender in college football so far, placing him among the very best in the sport.”
Bain’s presence on the field creates not only an aura for the defense, but Miami as a whole. That is a man who can wreck your quarterback, running backs, or wide receivers at any point and time during the game. Bain's ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt the line of scrimmage is described as immense, making him a "game wrecker" and a significant threat on the field.
Miami through four games have only allowed 46 points, YES 46 POINTS. Over half of those came from the first game of the year when Miami upset ND 27-24. We have to give credit for the obvious leader of the defense in Reuben Bain, it does not go unnoticed. In fact many fans and coaches nationwide are starting to recognize the power in not only a Carson Beck offense, but now when your favorite team’s quarterback is on the field they have to deal with Miami’s defense headed by a powerful Reuben Bain.
Miami has beat 3 ranked teams so far throughout the season (UF formerly ranked), they travel up to Tallahassee to play versus No. 8 Florida State. If Miami goes on to win it not only confirms Miami’s slot in either the No. 1 or No. 2 slot, but the fact that Miami is winning games because of Bain’s presence and dominance.
Bain and Miami Take on FSU Next:
Matchup: No. 2 Miami At No. 8 FSU
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Time: 7:30pm EST
TV Network: ABC
Cameron Williams
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Senior Writer
