Preseason Accolades Highlight Bearcats’ Rising Stars
Cincinnati’s football program received a double dose of preseason acclaim this week as two of its standouts earned spots on Pro Football Network’s 2026 Preseason All‑America College Football Team.
Evan Tengesdahl, the Bearcats’ interior lineman, was placed on the Second‑Team list after a 2025 season in which he started every game at guard and helped the offense allow just eight sacks, a figure that positioned the line among the nation’s most efficient according to Pro Football Focus.
Max Fletcher, the Melbourne‑born punter, earned Third‑Team honors after posting a 45.4‑yard average and launching 14 punts of at least 50 yards, a performance that contributed to Cincinnati’s 21st‑ranked net punting metric and earned him Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week.
Beyond the numbers, Fletcher’s off‑field generosity added a community dimension, as he pledged $20 for each punt that landed inside the 20‑yard line to the Save the Animals Foundation, a commitment that underscores his impact beyond the gridiron.
Supporting Cast and Outlook
The Bearcats’ special teams unit will also feature kicker Stephen Rusnak and long snapper Eli Stein, both of whom return with experience that could prove pivotal as the team aims to translate preseason recognition into on‑field success.
With the offensive line anchored by Tengesdahl and the punting game led by Fletcher, the Bearcats enter the upcoming season with a blend of veteran reliability and emerging talent, setting the stage for a campaign that could see the program climb higher in national rankings.