A New Chapter in the Big 12
After a decade in the American Conference, the Cincinnati Bearcats have taken the bold step into the Big 12, a move that promises both opportunity and adversity. The program’s recent trajectory under head coach Scott Satterfield has been nothing short of remarkable: a 3‑9 record in 2023 gave way to a 7‑6 finish in 2025, culminating in a Big 12 Championship appearance that kept the nation watching until mid‑November. The climb has been steady, but the team has repeatedly stumbled in the latter half of seasons, a pattern that the coaching staff is now determined to break.
Offensively, the Bearcats return a core that should provide immediate stability. Three elite linemen — including left tackle Joe Cotton, a Second Team All‑Big 12 selection — are back, and the line allowed just eight sacks in 2025, a testament to its cohesion. At quarterback, JC French IV, who transferred from Georgia Southern, will inherit the starting role after throwing 20 touchdowns against only eight interceptions last year. His chemistry with the returning receiving corps could be the catalyst that turns a potent but inconsistent offense into a reliable scoring machine.
Defensive Overhaul and Key Returners
Defensive coordinator Nate Woody brings an East Coast 3‑4 scheme that he honed at Texas Tech and helped Army capture a 2024 championship. The new system leans on veteran linebacker Jonathan Thompson and defensive end Marquaze Parker, while fresh faces such as cornerbacks Jacob Finley and Kenny Worthy add depth. The secondary, however, must improve on its dismal 2025 interception total of two passes, a statistic that has been a recurring Achilles’ heel.
Special teams remain a strength, anchored by returning kicker Stephen Rusnak and punter Max Fletcher. The coaching staff acknowledges gaps in return game efficiency and plans to address them through recruiting and scheme adjustments. If the unit can maintain its reliability while the defense tightens, the Bearcats could turn close games into decisive victories.
Schedule and the Quest for Consistency
The 2026 slate begins with non‑conference matchups against Boston College, Western Carolina, Miami (OH) and Kansas State, providing a mixed bag of opponents that will test the team’s early‑season readiness. Following those games, the Big 12 schedule unfolds with traditional powerhouses such as Arizona, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Utah, Houston, Iowa State, Colorado and BYU. The coaching staff emphasizes finishing strong, hoping to avoid the late‑season slumps that have plagued the past three campaigns. A disciplined approach to preparation and a focus on maintaining momentum through the conference slate could finally allow Cincinnati to translate its upward trajectory into a sustained period of success.