There’s no sugar coating how badly the Hurricanes defense collapsed as the 2024 season progressed, but the collapse occurred despite strong play from the defensive line. The line was supposed to be the star of the 2024 Hurricanes defense, and by and large the unit performed admirably.
DE Reuban Bain Jr. was the presumptive star of the defense heading into the season. Coming off earning 2023 ACC Rookie of the Year, Bain was named to preseason Lombardi and Bednarik watch lists, but three plays into the opening game against Florida, Bain suffered a “soft tissue” calf injury. While the Hurricanes missed much of Bain’s production, the defensive line is fortunately one of the deepest units on the whole team.