Cincinnati Bearcats:

Scott Satterfield enters his second season with Cincinnati with nowhere to go but up from last season. The Bearcats were just 3-9 SU/4-8 ATS and won just one game in conference play. With 15 starters back Satterfield has a group that can improve its record from 2024 if someone can step up at the quarterback position.

Offense

Quarterback is undecided as Cincinnati enters camp. The contenders for the position are Brendan Sorsby – an Indiana transfer – redshirt junior Brady Lichtenberg and true freshman Samaj Jones. Regardless of who wins the job, he will have plenty around him.

Corey Kiner returns at running back. Kiner ended his season strong, running for over 100 yards in four of his last six games. He totaled 1,050 yards and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. He is a shifty back who forced 53 missed tackles. In front of Kiner is an offensive line that returns every starter from last season. In that group is one of the best interior linemen in the country in right guard Luke Kandra. Wide receiver is in good shape as well with leading receiver Xzavier Henderson returning.

Cincinnati finished 65th in EPA per play last season, but 32nd in EPA per rush. If Satterfield can get quality quarterback play from whoever wins the job in the summer, this group should be better this season.

Defense

The Bearcats were one of the worst defenses in the country last season. They finished 123rd in opponent EPA per play (0.207) and 129th in EPA per play on early downs. Seven starters return from that group, but it was a young group. Many returners are juniors on this unit, and it could take a massive leap this season.

Red zone defense and turnovers are going to be areas which Cincinnati must improve the most. Opponents scored on 87.0% of their red zone possessions, and the Bearcats forced just 13 turnovers in 2023. 

The group does have good talent. Defensive tackle Dontay Corleone was a First Team All-American in 2022 and a Second Team All-Big 12 member last season. They are also shifting to a 3-3-5 defense, a scheme which is known to create havoc and raise the floor of production for a unit.

Outlook

There is nowhere to go but up for Cincinnati, and it seems that is the direction the Bearcats are heading this season. In terms of the schedule, Cincinnati has some opportunities. It must go to Iowa State and Kansas State, but they host Houston, Arizona State and TCU. Towson and Miami (OH) are part of the schedule as well. If this program improves as expected then a bowl game is within the realm of possibility.

Pick: Over 5 Wins