Top EDGE prospect in 2026 NFL draft confirms meeting with Dolphins

Rueben Bain, a standout defensive end from the University of Miami, has met with the Miami Dolphins ahead of the upcoming draft.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:22pm

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The Miami Dolphins are in need of pass-rush help this offseason, and they may have met with a top prospect they could target in the 2026 NFL Draft. Rueben Bain, a standout edge rusher from the University of Miami, confirmed that he has met with the Dolphins at the NFL Combine. Bain is considered one of the top EDGE prospects in this year's draft class after a dominant college career with the Hurricanes.

Why it matters

The Dolphins finished the 2025 season with an average pass-rush unit, and with the release of Bradley Chubb, they need to find another edge rusher to get after opposing quarterbacks. Bain, a local product from Miami, would be an ideal fit and could quickly become a fan favorite if the Dolphins are able to draft him.

The details

Bain, a 21-year-old defensive end, was a four-star recruit out of Miami Central Senior High School when he committed to the University of Miami. Over the last three years, he has recorded 121 tackles, 20.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two passes defensed, and one interception. He was named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, and earned All-American and All-ACC honors.

  • Bain confirmed the meeting with the Dolphins on Tuesday at the 2026 NFL Combine.

The players

Rueben Bain

A 21-year-old defensive end from the University of Miami who is considered one of the top EDGE prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Miami Dolphins

An NFL team based in Miami, Florida that is in need of pass-rush help this offseason after the release of Bradley Chubb.

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What’s next

If the Dolphins want to draft Bain, they may need to move up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to secure him, as he is expected to be one of the top EDGE prospects selected.

The takeaway

This meeting between Bain and the Dolphins highlights the team's need to bolster their pass-rush this offseason, and Bain's local ties and dominant college production make him an intriguing target for the franchise as they look to improve their defense ahead of the 2026 season.