Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincinnati enters 2026 with a completely rebuilt skill group, headlined by Georgia Southern transfer JC French IV at quarterback. The offense is expected to lean heavily on a deep running back committee featuring Zion Johnson, Gi'Bran Payne, and Zylan Perry, supported by an experienced offensive line anchored by All-American Evan Tengesdahl, Taran Tyo, and Joe Cotton. The play-action pass will be a key component, leveraging French's familiarity with that approach. The wide receiver room is largely new, with Isaiah Johnson providing a deep threat, but the unit's overall chemistry and consistency remain unproven.

First-year defensive coordinator Nate Woody is implementing a pressure-based 3-3-5 scheme designed to generate chaos and force turnovers, a major area of need after last season. The defense lost NFL-bound players like Jake Golday and Dontay Corleone, but added key transfers: defensive tackles Josh Hough and Chidera Otutu, safety Ty Goodwill, cornerback Kenny Worthy, and linebacker Filip Maciorowski. Defensive end Marquaze Parker returns as the top pass-rusher, while outside linebackers Brian Simms III and Thomas Johnson provide additional pressure. The scheme's success will hinge on how quickly the new pieces gel and whether the turnover numbers improve significantly.

Cincinnati returns both placekicker Stephen Rusnak and punter Max Fletcher, who had strong first seasons as starters and are expected to take another step forward. Isaiah Johnson, the team's fastest and shiftiest player, is the primary candidate for kickoff and punt returns, giving the Bearcats a potential game-breaking element in the return game. This continuity on special teams provides a reliable foundation while the offense and defense undergo significant changes.

The departure of quarterback Brendan Sorsby to Texas Tech is a major loss, as he was the engine of the offense with his dual-threat ability. JC French IV is a capable replacement but lacks Sorsby's explosiveness, meaning the offense may rely more on the running game and efficiency rather than big plays. The wide receiver room's inexperience could also limit the passing attack's ceiling, making it crucial for the offensive line to dominate and the running backs to carry the load.

Cincinnati's 2026 season is a story of transition. The defense's new scheme and added talent could lead to a significant uptick in turnovers and overall performance, while the offense's ground-and-play-action approach may be more consistent but less explosive. The team's success will depend on how quickly the new skill players develop chemistry and whether the defensive overhaul pays immediate dividends. With a favorable home schedule early, the Bearcats have a chance to build momentum, but the loss of key talent from 2025 makes a repeat of that season's record a tall order.