HOT NEWS: Indiana Hoosiers head coach Darian DeVries has unexpectedly requested the NCAA commissioner to conduct doping tests on Miami Hurricanes player Rueben Bain Jr. ahead of the championship game. Darian DeVries presented evidence and suspicious signs regarding Rueben Bain Jr.’s alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs, forcing Rueben Bain Jr.
to undergo doping tests to ensure fairness. When the final results were announced, everyone was stunned — including Darian DeVries himself.
As the clock ticks down to the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium, the buildup between the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers and the high-flying Miami Hurricanes has taken a dramatic turn.
What was already shaping up as one of the most anticipated title games in recent memory has now been overshadowed by explosive allegations of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) targeting one of Miami’s defensive anchors.
Indiana head coach Darian DeVries—in his first season leading the Hoosiers to an improbable perfect run and a spot in the championship—filed an unprecedented formal request with the NCAA commissioner for immediate doping testing on Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr..
The move, described by sources close to the program as “shocking but necessary for the integrity of the game,” came just days before kickoff, sending shockwaves through the college football world.
DeVries, known more for his basketball background before transitioning to lead Indiana’s football program amid a coaching carousel, reportedly submitted a detailed packet of “evidence” to NCAA officials.
This included video clips of Bain’s on-field performances showing “unusual physical explosiveness,” rapid recovery times between plays, and alleged inconsistencies in his body composition compared to previous seasons.
Insiders claim DeVries highlighted specific plays from Miami’s playoff run—including dominant pass-rushing displays against top offenses—where Bain’s speed, power, and endurance raised red flags among Indiana’s scouting staff.
“Coach DeVries believes in fair competition above all else,” a source within the Indiana program told reporters on condition of anonymity. “He’s not making baseless accusations—this is about protecting the sport and ensuring the championship is decided on talent, not substances.”
The NCAA, under pressure to maintain transparency in championship week, swiftly approved the request.
Bain Jr., a projected top-10 NFL Draft pick and one of the most decorated edge rushers in college football this season (with double-digit sacks, forced fumbles, and All-ACC honors), was pulled aside for an out-of-competition test under the NCAA’s strict drug-testing protocol.
The process was expedited due to the impending title game, with results expected to be fast-tracked.
When the final results dropped—negative across the board for all banned substances— the reaction was universal astonishment. Bain Jr. was cleared completely, with no trace of PEDs, steroids, or any prohibited performance enhancers. The news hit social media like a bombshell, with fans, analysts, and even rival coaches weighing in.
DeVries himself appeared visibly stunned in a brief post-announcement statement. “I acted on what I believed was credible concern for the game’s fairness,” he said. “The results speak for themselves, and I respect the process.
Rueben is a tremendous player, and I wish him and Miami nothing but the best in the game. Our focus now is solely on preparing our team to compete at the highest level.”
The fallout has been swift and intense. Miami head coach and staff released a statement defending Bain’s character and work ethic: “Rueben has always played clean, trained harder than anyone, and earned every bit of his success through dedication.
This distraction won’t derail our preparation—we’re locked in on winning a national title.”
Social media erupted with polarized takes:
Supporters of DeVries praised the boldness: “Better safe than sorry—integrity matters more than optics.” Miami loyalists called it a “desperate smear tactic”: “Trying to rattle our star defender right before the biggest game? Classless.” Neutral observers questioned the timing: “Why now? This feels like gamesmanship gone too far.”
Bain Jr., who has remained professional throughout, posted a short message on his platforms: “Cleared. Focused. Ready to play ball. See you Sunday.”
This incident adds another layer of drama to an already electric matchup. Indiana, the Cinderella story of the season with their explosive offense and stingy defense, faces a Miami team loaded with talent—including Bain’s pass-rushing prowess that could disrupt Indiana’s rhythm.
The Hoosiers boast one of the nation’s top scoring attacks, while Miami’s defense has been lockdown in the playoffs.
Experts note that while coaches can raise concerns, formal accusations without ironclad proof risk backlash—especially when tests come back clean. The NCAA’s drug-testing program is rigorous, with random and targeted checks throughout the season, making any positive result highly unlikely for a high-profile player like Bain.
As the national championship approaches, the focus shifts back to the field. Will this controversy fire up Miami’s defense? Will it motivate Indiana to prove doubters wrong? Or will it simply fade into background noise as the two teams battle for college football immortality?
One thing is certain: in a sport where every edge counts, this doping saga has reminded everyone that the pursuit of fairness can be as intense as the game itself. Tune in January 19 at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN—because this title game just got even more compelling.
