Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. Wins Ted Hendricks Award

First Canes player to receive prestigious defensive end honor

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:31pm

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Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. has been awarded the Ted Hendricks Award, which recognizes the best defensive end in college football. Bain Jr. is the first player from Miami to receive this honor, which is named after Hurricanes alum and NFL Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks.

Why it matters

Bain Jr.'s award is a significant achievement for the Miami football program, as it highlights the continued excellence of their defensive unit and the development of top-tier talent. As a projected first-round NFL draft pick, this award boosts Bain Jr.'s profile and cements his status as one of the top defensive prospects in the country.

The details

In the 2025 season, Bain Jr. played in all 16 games for the Hurricanes, recording 54 total tackles and 9.5 sacks. His best performance came in the national championship game, where he posted a season-high eight tackles.

  • Rueben Bain Jr. received the Ted Hendricks Award on January 29, 2026.
  • The 2025 season was Bain Jr.'s final year playing for the Miami Hurricanes.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A defensive end for the Miami Hurricanes who was awarded the Ted Hendricks Award, which recognizes the best defensive end in college football.

Ted Hendricks

A Miami alum and NFL Hall of Famer, the Ted Hendricks Award is named after him.

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What’s next

Bain Jr. is currently projected as a first-round lock in the upcoming NFL Draft, with many considering him to be a top five talent.

The takeaway

Rueben Bain Jr.'s Ted Hendricks Award win is a proud moment for the Miami Hurricanes, as he becomes the first player from the program to receive this prestigious honor. His standout performance, particularly in the national championship game, has solidified his status as one of the top defensive prospects in the country and set him up for a promising NFL career.