The University of Cincinnati announced that it will host Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, September 9, 2028, at Nippert Stadium, reviving a series that has seen the Bearcats remain unbeaten in three meetings. As part of the agreement, Cincinnati will provide a $420,000 guarantee to the Colonels, underscoring the financial incentives that often accompany non‑conference matchups at the FBS level.
Cincinnati’s dominance over Eastern Kentucky dates back to a 66‑13 victory in 2023, the most recent chapter of a rivalry that began in 2020. The Bearcats have yet to lose to the Colonels, a fact that adds a layer of anticipation to the upcoming clash.
Conference outlook remains fluid
The 2028 slate also features season‑opening games against Boise State on September 2 and Eastern Michigan on September 16, both scheduled to be played at Nippert Stadium. Those contests form part of a non‑conference lineup that the Bearcats have fully mapped out, even as the Big 12 Conference has yet to release its league opponents for the year.
While the Big 12’s schedule remains pending, Cincinnati plans to balance its home and road commitments, slated for four home games and five away trips throughout the season. The move reflects a strategic approach to scheduling that blends competitive challenges with logistical considerations.
Eastern Kentucky, a member of the United Athletic Association (UAC) in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), will also host Tennessee Tech on September 23 as part of its own non‑conference agenda. The Colonels’ participation in the 2028 schedule highlights the growing interconnectivity between FBS and FCS programs.