Miami Hurricanes Prospect Rueben Bain Jr. Visits Bengals

The linebacker is expected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:17am

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Rueben Bain Jr., a standout linebacker from the University of Miami, recently visited the Cincinnati Bengals as part of the team's pre-draft evaluation process. Bain is projected to be one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, with scouts praising his high-end production and relentless effort despite lacking ideal length for the position.

Why it matters

The Bengals are looking to bolster their linebacker corps after trading away Shemar Stewart, their first-round pick from the previous year, who had impressive physical tools but struggled with consistency. Bain's visit indicates the team's interest in adding a player with a different skill set - one focused on instincts, technique, and non-stop motor over pure athleticism.

The details

Bain, a 6'1" 235-pound linebacker, was a standout performer for the Miami Hurricanes over the past three seasons. He racked up 256 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, and 15.5 sacks during his college career, earning first-team All-ACC honors in 2025. Despite his lack of ideal length for the position, Bain's relentless playing style and high football IQ have made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams like the Bengals.

  • Bain visited the Bengals' facilities on April 10, 2026.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A linebacker prospect from the University of Miami who is expected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Zac Taylor

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.

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What’s next

The Bengals will continue to evaluate Bain and other top linebacker prospects as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to take place in late April.

The takeaway

The Bengals' interest in Rueben Bain Jr. suggests they are looking to add a high-motor, high-production linebacker to their defense, even if he doesn't possess the ideal physical attributes. This shift in draft strategy could signal a change in the team's approach as they look to build a more well-rounded and versatile linebacker corps.