The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have just pulled off the steal of the 2026 NFL Draft—and head coach Todd Bowles isn't shy about admitting it. By snagging two standout defenders from the University of Miami, Bowles has added more than just talent to his roster; he's brought in a brotherhood forged in the fires of a national championship run.

When the Bucs selected edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th overall pick and paired him with defensive back Keionte Scott in the fourth round, it wasn't just about filling depth charts. For Bowles, it was about building a defense that can hit the ground running—together. "To bring in two guys from the same school that happened to go to the national championship game, I'm glad Bain fell to us, and luckily Keionte fell to us," Bowles said, acknowledging a bit of fortune in the draft room.

And fortune it was. Bain Jr. and Scott were instrumental in the Miami Hurricanes' stunning run to the National Championship last season. Their chemistry on the field was undeniable, and that familiarity is exactly what Bowles is banking on. "Those types of guys that we had rated high when it was our turn to pick. So, it kind of fit what we were looking for," he added.

For the players themselves, this reunion is about more than just football. "I feel like it speaks on the brotherhood we have at the University of Miami," Bain Jr. said. "It speaks on the amount of pride I got and where I'm at right now." Scott echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the accountability that comes with their shared history. "Just being able to hold him accountable and him being able to hold me accountable is something that we're going to take pride in," Scott explained. "Ultimately, getting to see each other reach our goals."

With rookie camps already underway, Bain Jr. is already turning heads, and the Bucs' defense is looking more formidable by the day. Whether or not the plan was always to draft two Hurricanes, it's clear that Bowles has cooked up something special—and opponents should be on notice.