Cincinnati climbing in Big 12, inexperience and tough schedule loom large for Satterfield’s team

Cincinnati Bearcats, a team recently established in the Big 12, have shown steady progress since their arrival in 2023. However, their inaugural season marked a significant challenge, as they managed only a 7-1 record and ranked 16th in the AP poll prior to a series of heartbreaking losses in the final five games last year.

In a bid to rebuild, the team underwent a substantial roster overhaul, particularly at skill positions. Coach Scott Satterfield's offensive line boasts one of the top units among Power Four programs, with standout left guard Evan Tengesdahl, left tackle Joe Cotton, and center Taran Tyo as potential Day 2 NFL draftees.

Defensively, Cincinnati will rely on coach Nate Woody from Army, who will employ a 3-4 scheme focused on pressuring the quarterback. Despite a lack of starters returning from last season, the defense has retained its two best players, Antwan Peek Jr. and Johnathan Thompson. Peek will transition to an outside linebacker role to enhance his ability to rush the passer, while Thompson contributed 8.5 tackles for loss in 2022.

However, the Bearcats face an uphill battle due to a lack of experienced players in key positions. New quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers will need to step up, with transfers JC French IV, Thomas Johnson, Cade Wolford, Filip Maciorowski, and JV Gibson filling those roles. French IV, in particular, will need to compensate for the absence of dual-threat capabilities from outgoing quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was ruled ineligible by the NCAA due to gambling issues.

The Bearcats' schedule will be particularly demanding, hosting No. 12 Texas Tech and No. 21st-ranked Utah while traveling to face No. 14 BYU and No. 23 Houston. Their final home game against Colorado on November 21 may be crucial in determining their bowl eligibility and Satterfield's fifth season with the team.