Cincinnati Bearcats Football

The Cincinnati Bearcats football program, representing the University of Cincinnati, is a powerhouse in college football. Competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as proud members of the Big 12 Conference, they've called historic Nippert Stadium home since 1924. With a remarkable all-time record exceeding .500, they celebrated their 600th victory in 2017. Their recent resurgence is marked by outstanding achievements, including 14 bowl game appearances, 7 conference titles, 4 BCS/NY6 Bowl berths, and even a College Football Playoff appearance in 2021. Additionally, they've contributed 38 NFL Draft selections, solidifying their reputation as a formidable force in college football.

Cincinnati Bearcats Football Introduction

The Cincinnati Bearcats football program, representing the University of Cincinnati, competes at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level as proud members of the Big 12 Conference. They have called the historic Nippert Stadium their home since 1924, boasting a seating capacity of 38,088 after renovations in 2014. With a rich history, the Bearcats have achieved over 600 program victories by 2017, highlighting their tradition of success.

Recently, the Cincinnati Bearcats football program has enjoyed a resurgence, boasting 14 bowl game appearances, 7 conference titles, 4 BCS/NY6 Bowl berths (including a memorable College Football Playoff appearance in 2021), and producing 38 NFL Draft selections as of 2022. The Bearcats, representing the University of Cincinnati, are transitioning to the Big 12 Conference in 2023, following memberships in the Big East/American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, and other conferences. Their home, Nippert Stadium, dating back to 1901, holds historical significance as the fourth-oldest playing site and fifth-oldest stadium in college football. With dedicated coaching and fervent fan support, the program continues to leave an indelible mark on college football.

Cincinnati Bearcats Football History

The Cincinnati Bearcats football program, representing the University of Cincinnati, boasts a rich and storied history dating back to its early years in the late 19th century. Founded in 1885, the Bearcats quickly became a part of the fabric of college football. In 1888, they played against Miami in Ohio's first intercollegiate football game, sparking a rivalry that endures to this day as one of the nation's longest-running in NCAA Division I college football.

Early in their history, the Bearcats had several notable head coaches, including Robert Burch, who oversaw the team's entry into the Ohio Athletic Conference from 1909 to 1911, and George Babcock, who led the team from 1927 to 1930. However, it was in the late 1940s that Sid Gillman, a future Hall of Famer, left an indelible mark by guiding the Bearcats to three conference titles and establishing their reputation as an aerial attack powerhouse. This era set the stage for Cincinnati's continued success under coaches like George Blackburn, Chuck Studley, Homer Rice, and Ray Callahan.

Tony Mason kickstarted a Bearcats resurgence in his four-year stint, peaking with an impressive 8-3 season in 1976. Subsequent coaches yielded mixed results, yet Cincinnati's program steadily advanced. The fierce "Keg of Nails" rivalry with Louisville, symbolizing player toughness, remained a hallmark of Bearcats football. Despite hurdles like conference shifts, Cincinnati persevered, recently clinching conference titles and bowl berths. Their entry into the Big 12 Conference in 2023 ushers in an exciting new era. Rooted in achievement, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence, the Cincinnati Bearcats football program remains a beacon in college football.

Cincinnati Bearcats Football Coach

Fredric Scott Satterfield, born December 21, 1972, is a prominent American college football coach and former player. Currently, he serves as the head football coach at the University of Cincinnati, a position he assumed in the 2023 season. Satterfield boasts an impressive coaching career, previously leading Appalachian State University from 2013 to 2018 and the University of Louisville from 2019 to 2022. His transition to Cincinnati marked a significant move, even coinciding with a rivalry game against his former team, the Louisville Cardinals, in the 2022 Fenway Bowl. Satterfield's coaching prowess and leadership continue to shape the Bearcats' football program.

Cincinnati Bearcats Football Stadium: Nippert Stadium

Nippert Stadium, officially known as James Gamble Nippert Memorial Stadium, is a cherished outdoor sports arena nestled in Cincinnati, Ohio, situated on the University of Cincinnati campus. Serving as the hallowed ground for American football, it is the proud home of the Cincinnati Bearcats football team. Beyond football, Nippert Stadium also played host to soccer, notably serving as FC Cincinnati's home turf from their inaugural 2016 USL season until the 2020 MLS season before their move to TQL Stadium.

Nippert Stadium, now seating 38,088 after a 2014 renovation, adapted for FC Cincinnati's MLS transition by removing corner seats. Its history dates to 1901, evolving with concrete stands in 1915 and becoming a horseshoe stadium in 1924. As the fourth-oldest playing site and fifth-oldest college football stadium, it honors founder Arch Carson as Carson Field, embodying UC's sports legacy.

Cincinnati Bearcats Football Rivals

The Cincinnati Bearcats Football team has several intense rivalries that have left an indelible mark on college football. One of the most iconic is "The Keg of Nails" rivalry with Louisville, spanning multiple conferences and characterized by fierce competition. The rivalry's unique trophy, a keg used to ship nails, symbolizes the toughness of the winning team.

Cincinnati's matchups with Memphis have been noteworthy, especially their consecutive clashes in 2019, including the American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game. However, this rivalry is set to go on hiatus due to Cincinnati's move to the Big 12 Conference in 2023.

The Victory Bell rivalry against Miami (OH) is the oldest non-conference college football rivalry in the U.S., with Cincinnati on a 16-game winning streak. The "River City Rivalry" with Pittsburgh, known for the Paddlewheel Trophy, had a memorable 2009 showdown and will resume in 2023 after a hiatus, promising renewed intensity.

The Keg of Nails

The Keg of Nails, a revered trophy in American college football, is a symbol of the enduring rivalry between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Louisville Cardinals. This storied contest has transcended four conferences, spanning from the Missouri Valley to Conference USA and, more recently, the Big East, later renamed the American Athletic Conference. For Louisville, it's their oldest football rivalry, while Cincinnati ranks as their second oldest, trailing only their annual clash with the Miami RedHawks.

Although the rivalry went on a temporary hiatus after the 2013 season when Louisville moved to the Atlantic Coast Conference, it left an indelible mark. The trophy itself, a replica keg used for shipping nails, symbolizes the grit and determination of the winning team. Initiated by fraternity chapters on both campuses, it represents players who are "tough as nails." The current keg is a replacement for the original, lost during construction, but adorned with both schools' logos and the series' scores, reminding fans of this historic football battle.

Conference championships

Division championships

Cincinnati Bearcats Football Roster

The Cincinnati Bearcats Football team boasts a diverse and talented roster on both offense and defense. On the offensive side, the quarterback position features a mix of experience and young talent. Emory Jones, a senior from LaGrange, GA, brings his veteran leadership, while newcomers like Brady Drogosh and Will Kocher from Michigan and Ohio, respectively, add depth to the quarterback corps. Jacob Hoying and Brady Lichtenberg, both sophomores, contribute to the team's quarterback options alongside Jack Perry, a senior from California. In the running back position, Cincinnati showcases a strong lineup, including Corey Kiner, a junior hailing from Cincinnati itself.

Switching to the defensive lineup, the Bearcats have a formidable front with players like Jowon Briggs and Malik Vann anchoring the defensive end position. Jalen Hunt and Keilan Smith bring their strength and skills to the defensive tackle spot. This defensive lineup, with players from Ohio and beyond, promises a robust defense that will be a formidable force on the field. Cincinnati Bearcats fans have every reason to be excited about the team's prospects with this talented roster in place.

Cincinnati Bearcats Football Schedule

The Cincinnati Bearcats Football team has kicked off their regular season with a bang, winning their first two games against Eastern Kentucky and Pittsburgh. They showcased their offensive prowess, with standout performances from quarterback Jones and running back Kiner. In the opening game against Eastern Kentucky, they secured a resounding victory with a score of 66-13, starting the season on a high note. They followed it up with a hard-fought win against Pittsburgh, prevailing 27-21.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats have a challenging schedule with exciting matchups. On September 17, they face Miami (OH), and on September 23, they take on the formidable Oklahoma Sooners. Their schedule includes clashes with tough opponents like Iowa State, Baylor, and Oklahoma State. As the season unfolds, Cincinnati Bearcats fans eagerly anticipate the team's performance in these upcoming games.