INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 25 (UPI) — Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. Downplayed concerns about his arm length Wednesday, stating NFL teams have not expressed significant reservations during meetings at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Bain addressed the topic during a press conference at the Indianapolis Convention Center, where he is among the top prospects vying for selection in April’s draft. “None of the teams seem too concerned with it,” Bain said, referring to his arm length. “As long as I just talk the talk, walk the walk and play with technique, nobody actually asks me about it.”
Reports indicate Bain’s arms measured 30 3/4 inches, a figure that has circulated among NFL scouts, according to The Athletic. Generally, teams prefer an arm length of at least 33 inches for edge rushers, a measurement considered crucial for maintaining leverage against offensive tackles.
Despite the scrutiny, Bain, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 270 pounds, emphasized his on-field production. Last season, he recorded 9.5 sacks, and 15.5 tackles for a loss, establishing himself as one of college football’s premier pass rushers. He was named the 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year after leading the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff title game.
“I didn’t hear it until later in the year, but it kind of surprised me because I never heard it all my life,” Bain said. “I just don’t give it the time of day, honestly.”
Bain described his approach to the game as all-consuming. “I eat, sleep and breathe football,” he said. “That’s all I do. I have no other hobbies, no real interests outside of football. That’s all I care for. That’s all I want to do.”
He credited Miami defensive line coach Jason Taylor, a Hall of Fame pass rusher, with instilling a valuable mindset. Bain described Taylor as a “second father” who taught him to avoid excessive self-pressure. “Never get too high, never get too low,” Bain said, recounting Taylor’s advice. “Don’t pressure stuff. Just let stuff come to me. Everything will work out in my favor. As long as I put the right work in and the right preparation in, everything will work out.”
Bain has met with representatives from several NFL teams in Indianapolis, including the Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, Modern Orleans Saints and Washington Commanders, exploring potential fits for his skillset. He believes his versatility allows him to contribute at multiple positions. “I feel like I’m versatile and I have a high motor,” Bain said. “I can do it at any position at any time with the best effort. And it’s on film. It’s not something I’m just saying.”
Bain will not participate in on-field drills during the combine. He intends to showcase his athletic abilities at Miami’s pro day on March 24 in Coral Gables, Fla. He expressed confidence in his future impact. “Wherever I end up landing, it’s all hell on wheels, man,” Bain said.
Other top-rated pass rushing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class include Texas Tech’s David Bailey, Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk and Miami’s Ahkeem Mesidor. Defensive linemen and linebackers will participate in workouts Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to seize place from April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh.
