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Cincinnati Bearcats 2026 Preview

Cincinnati are 1-0 in 2026. They went 7-6 (5-4 in the Big 12). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.

2025 record
7-6
Conference
Big 12
Preseason rank
Unranked
Community guideFrom the BettorEdge community

What changed for Cincinnati in 2026

By Kyle Kommes · co-host of Play Me or Fade Me · from his 2026 College Football Guide, as of July 23, 2026
  • New co-offensive coordinators in Nic Cardwell (Cincinnati Offensive Line Coach) and Pete Thomas (Cincinnati QB Coach) and defensive coordinator in Nate Woody (Army Defensive Coordinator)
  • Starting QB from last season is gone. Georgia Southern transfer JC French IV is expected to start (2,929 yards, 20 TDs, 8 INTs; 315 rushing yards, 6 rushing TDs)
  • Starting RB from last season is gone, so redshirt freshman Zion Johnson is expected to start (106 yards, 1 TD in 4 games; Four-Star RB in Class of 2025)
  • Top five players in terms of receiving yards from last season are gone, with the top returner being Isaiah Johnson (222 yards, 3 TDs). Two transfers are expected to start in Oklahoma transfer JaVonnie Gibson (199 yards, 1 TD) and Central Arkansas transfer Malachi Henry (889 yards, 10 TDs)
  • Returning three starting offensive lineman that allowed 8 sacks in 2025 (2nd best in CFB)
  • Returning three starters on defense, with the top returner being LB Jonathan Thompson (73 tackles). Five transfers are expected to start, including NC Central transfer DT Thomas Johnson (12 sacks - 7th in FCS), Northern Illinois transfers in LB Filip Maciorowski (87 tackles) and S Jasper Beeler (77 tackles, 3 INTs)
Read the full 2026 CFB Guide

All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.

Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.

Cincinnati Bearcats 2026 schedule

GameOpponentSiteResult
1Boston CollegeHomeW 34-15
2Western CarolinaHome—
3Miami (OH)Neutral—
4Kansas StateHome—
5ArizonaAway—
6West VirginiaAway—
7Texas TechHome—
8UtahHome—
9HoustonAway—
10Iowa StateAway—
11ColoradoHome—
12BYUAway—

Get the printable Cincinnati Bearcats 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.

More Big 12 previews

Arizona WildcatsArizona State Sun DevilsBaylor BearsBYU CougarsColorado BuffaloesHouston CougarsIowa State CyclonesKansas JayhawksKansas State WildcatsOklahoma State CowboysTCU Horned FrogsTexas Tech Red RaidersUCF KnightsUtah UtesWest Virginia Mountaineers

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Cincinnati Bearcats betting FAQ

What is the Cincinnati Bearcats 2026 schedule?

Cincinnati Bearcats play 12 games in 2026, 6 at home. They open against Boston College. The full schedule is listed on this page.

Are the Cincinnati Bearcats ranked in the 2026 preseason?

Cincinnati is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.

Where can I bet Cincinnati Bearcats games?

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