Cincinnati Bearcats 2026 Season Preview

Georgia Southern transfer JC French IV steps in as the projected starter. A redshirt senior, he threw for 2,929 yards with a 20-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio and added 315 rushing yards in his second season as a starter, and he brings the mobility, quick-decision instincts and reliable intermediate passing that Cincinnati's boom-or-bust attack lacked. He is not as explosive as Sorsby, but he should have a sturdier running game and a scheme built around play-action to lean on. Behind him, sophomore Samaj Jones offers a bigger arm and dangerous running ability, and Penn transfer Liam O'Brien (2,376 yards, 67 percent, 19-6) adds another experienced option, so the room has real depth even after the marquee departure.

The receiving corps was rebuilt almost entirely through the portal. Returning junior Isaiah Johnson is the headliner, a burner who caught 222 yards' worth at 15.9 per grab and profiles as the team's fastest, shiftiest weapon. Around him, Cincinnati added JV Gibson (Oklahoma), Malachi Henry (Central Arkansas), Cade Wolford (Kent State) and Larenzo Fenner (South Dakota), a mix of experienced production and downfield speed. Returners Giyahni Kontosis and Elijah Jones are in line for elevated roles. At tight end, junior Gavin Grover is an experienced, oversized target at 6-6, with incoming freshman Jalen Williams among the more decorated additions.

The backfield pairs a returner with three transfers, and depth here stood out through spring. Zion Johnson is back after 106 yards at 4.8 a carry, joined by Notre Dame's Gi'Bran Payne, Louisiana's Zylan Perry (1,659 yards over four years) and Stanford's Cole Tabb. Satterfield has said he has four backs he trusts, and with turnover at every other skill spot, expect the offense to run through this group and set up the play-action pass off it.

The line is the offense's foundation and the reason for optimism. It returns three starters and was a Joe Moore Award semifinalist a year ago, remaining one of the Big 12's best units. Preseason All-American Evan Tengesdahl anchors the interior at guard as a first-team all-conference pick with NFL upside, flanked by center Taran Tyo, a Ball State transfer and third-team all-league selection, and left tackle Joe Cotton, a second-team all-conference blocker who also carries pro potential. Maine transfer Xavier Lozowicki and senior Judea Milon fill out the front. Continuity here is the single biggest reason the offense can hold up while everything around it turns over.

Woody inherits a defense that generated just 21 sacks, two interceptions and a minus-four turnover margin, and his scheme is built to attack the backfield and force more chaos. The line loses all three starters, including standout nose tackle Dontay Corleone, so the rebuild leans on newcomers. Junior Marquaze Parker is the anchor and best pass-rusher, consistent since his true freshman season and coming off 19 tackles with 3.5 for loss. Transfers Josh Hough (58 tackles, 11 for loss) and Chidera Otutu (UTSA) reinforce the interior, while edge help arrives in Thomas Johnson and Brian Simms III, who posted 8.5 tackles for loss and seven pass breakups last season.

Linebacker offers the defense's most continuity. Senior Jonathan Thompson returns to anchor the middle after 74 tackles and 8.5 for loss. Northern Illinois transfer Filip Maciorowski slots in as a high-volume tackler, coming off 87 stops and 6.5 for loss, and steps into the departed Jake Golday's role. Georgia State transfer Damaine Wilson adds depth, and versatile senior Antwan Peek Jr, a hybrid piece with 115 tackles over the last two years, gives Woody flexibility near the line of scrimmage.

The secondary lost all four starters and was restocked through the portal for length, experience and athleticism. Cornerbacks Jacob Finley (57 tackles, eight breakups) and Kenny Worthy headline the perimeter, while the safety room, a group Satterfield openly favors, features MJ Cannon (57 tackles, six for loss), Jasper Beeler (three interceptions) and South Alabama transfer Ty Goodwill (eight breakups). The unit intercepted just two passes a year ago, so the mandate under the new scheme is simple: generate takeaways.

Both specialists return and both are proven. Kicker Stephen Rusnak, a Charlotte transfer, hit 22 consecutive field goals across the 2024 and 2025 seasons and finished 13 of 17 last year. Punter Max Fletcher earned second-team all-conference honors while averaging 45.4 yards per punt. Isaiah Johnson is the logical choice on kick and punt returns as the roster's most explosive athlete, making this a clear strength on a team full of question marks.