The hot streak for Miami continues in the 2026 NFL Draft as CB/S Keionte Scott is the seventh Cane as he is selected with the 116th overall pick in the fourth round of the draft on Saturday by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers joining fellow defensive teammate Rueben Bain Jr. who went 15th overall on Thursday night. They have the chance to create moments similar to the Ohio State pick six which Bain forced and Scott returned.
Scott waited longer than expected as he plays a very specific role but he could fit
here. And if the NFL Draft rewarded perseverance and reinvention above all else, Scott would have gone first overall. A San Diego, California native who attracted zero Division I offers out of Helix High School, Scott found his way to Snow College in Utah, where he became a two-time JUCO All-American and helped Snow to the NJCAA national title game before transferring to Auburn. He started almost immediately for the Tigers in the slot. After losing his starting role and battling injuries in 2024, Scott transferred to Houston and then quickly re-entered the portal before landing in Coral Gables – which became the one that changed everything.
At Miami, Scott was the ferocious heartbeat of one of the best defenses in the country. His 2025 stat line was a breakthrough: 64 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 5 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, including one that put Miami up 14-0 against Ohio State in the CFP quarterfinal, which was the most iconic Miami play in decades. He likely ran faster than his 4.33 forty at Miami’s Pro Day, and fielded visits from multiple NFL teams during the pre-draft process. According to one NFL scout, “his energy could power the building,” and some consider a linebacker in a cornerback’s body with the ability to dominate the slot and also ensure sound open-field tackling.
Keionte Scott joins Rueben Bain Jr. in Tampa. After being the two parts responsible for forcing and executing the iconic pick-six against Ohio State, it’s only fitting.
From no Division I offers to an early round NFL Draft pick – it doesn’t get more earned than this. Congrats, Keionte, do your thing with the Bucs.
