We are so excited to welcome you to campus with our 2026 Bearcats Bound magazine. My name is Hajra Munir, I’m The News Record’s (TNR) editor-in-chief, and I’m beyond excited for you all to begin your Bearcat journey.
I still remember my first few weeks at UC — trying to figure out where my classes were, sitting in the wrong lecture hall once and taking a Bearcat ID photo that has haunted me ever since. I know firsthand how overwhelming and exciting it feels to be in a new environment.
As I enter my senior year of college, I can say confidently that your first year changes you in ways you don’t really understand until you’re looking back on it. This year will be filled by navigating dorm life and late-night runs to Insomnia Cookies — but it will also bring challenges and moments where you feel a little lost. And that’s okay.
My advice to you all is simple: don’t be afraid to try new things, even when uncomfortable or unfamiliar. You’ll hear this a lot, but college really does go by quickly, so take time to slow down and enjoy it, even the messy parts. Take advantage of everything campus has to offer — whether that’s chanting in the student section at a game, catching a performance at CCM or studying (maybe pretending to study) at The 86 Coffee Bar during finals week.
This magazine is a starting point, providing you with resources, tips and inspiration as you step into life at UC. And as your introduction to TNR, we are the independent student-run news organization covering the stories, people and events around you. Please feel free to reach out through our website with the QR code below.
Good luck — you’ve got this!
Hajra Munir
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TNR Editor-in-Chief Hajra Munir poses for a photo on April 15, 2026, at UC. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Dress rehearsal of the Student Choreographers’ Showcase presented by the UC College-Conservatory of Music on Oct. 14, 2025, in the Cohen Family Studio Theater in Cincinnati. COVER PHOTO: KATY MOWERY | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
MEET UC’S 2026-27 STUDENT GOVERNMENT
JOE CAREY | NEWS EDITOR
A new University of Cincinnati Student Government is taking office in the 2026-27 academic year.
After winning last semester’s election, student body President Wilaini Alicea and Vice President Zohair Siddiqui were inaugurated at the 2026 Student Involvement Awards on March 25, 2026. The duo promises an ambitious student life agenda under their “G.A.M.E. Plan” platform. G.A.M.E. stands for game day experience, activities and outreach, mental health and equal opportunity.
Alicea and Siddiqui say they hope to positively impact as many students as possible through a broad policy agenda centered on wellness and support access.
“The message of our campaign is making campus lively and accessible and inclusive,” Alicea said.
“To not just all the students that are involved, but also the students that might not be as involved and might just want to go get an education.”
For Siddiqui, the expansion of mental health resources for past and present Bearcats is essential to this vision.
“Something else that we’ve really been passionate about is mental health and wellness,” Siddiqui said. “Making sure that our students that are currently graduating have access to mental health resources, post-graduation, and are also prepared for the life that comes after college.”
The team also plans to emphasize student support for UC women’s athletics.
“One thing that we’ve been really harping on is making sure that our women’s athletic games have a higher attendance rate,” Alicea said. “We think that our women’s teams do a really great job and making sure that we’re highlighting them and the students who are
attending the games is something that we’ve been really trying to push.”
More than anything, the executive team wants to make life as a UC student the best it can be.
“At the end of the day, our positions are meant to be roles of advocacy, and the best way that we can advocate for our students is when they tell us what issues matter most to them,” Siddiqui said. “Obviously we have
our tidbits of information that we hear from some sources, but the best thing that we can have is have the student body come to us and tell us what they want to see change.”
Students looking to connect with the Student Government can visit their office, Steger Student Life Center 655, or follow their Instagram account, @ucstudentgov, for monthly updates.
UC Undergraduate Student Body President Wilaini Alicea and Vice President Zohair Siddiqui pose for a photo on April 15, 2026, on the field at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. SOPHIA HARSA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Q&A WITH A UC CAMPUS TOUR GUIDE
MADELYN STEWART | OPINION EDITOR
The first steps onto campus are often a whirlwind of red, black and endless questions. Navigating that transition becomes much easier with help from those who know the university’s layout by heart.
Student tour guide Rena Berkowitz, a criminal justice and human services major, is a familiar face of the University of Cincinnati experience, helping incoming students turn a campus map into a sense of community. Berkowitz offers advice for incoming first-year students in an interview with The News Record (TNR), along with insight into the moments that turn a university tour into a lasting connection.
TNR: Why did you decide to become a campus tour guide and what is the most rewarding part of being the first person many students meet?
RB: I wanted to become a tour guide because I knew other people who are guides and they would talk about how fun it is, and I have
loved giving tours. The most rewarding part has been being able to show off the beautiful campus and talk about how it quickly felt like second home.
TNR: What is the one question you wish more families would ask you during a tour that gets to the heart of being a student here?
RB: I wish I was asked more about some traditions on campus. I feel like something that really sets our university apart is the traditions we have and have kept for so many years.
TNR: If you could go back to your first week of freshman year, what is one thing you would do differently?
RB: Just getting more involved with campus life and really taking advantage of everything going on during those first few weeks because there’s so much to discover during that time.
TNR: What is the one fun fact or campus legend you find yourself repeating on every single tour?
RB: If you rub the noses of the lions, you’ll have good luck.
A person walks toward University Pavilion at UC on Feb. 18, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
HOW TO ‘ADULT’ AT UC: TIPS FOR NAVIGATING COLLEGE LIFE
HAJRA MUNIR | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
For many University of Cincinnati first-years, the transition to college life comes with more independence than expected — and a steep learning curve that extends far beyond the classroom.
From managing laundry and meal plans to budgeting money and organizing time, students say “adulting” often feels like trial and error.
“I have all the freedom in the world and now it is up to me to use that to my benefit,” said Riya Patel, a third-year medical sciences student, reflecting on what she wished she knew her first year at UC. “Don’t be scared to reach out. Making connections is so important.”
Patel mentors first-year students as a learning community peer leader, helping them adjust to the transition from high school to college. She said many first-years struggle with the lack of structure they are used to.
“There is not as much guidance as high school,” she said. “It’s up to you to make the right choices. You need self-discipline.”
Learning to manage independence is one of the
biggest challenges students face, said Dr. Lori Wright, director of CPS Strong and a professional development course instructor at UC.
“Students really don’t know what to expect,” Wright said. “They think they know, but they really don’t know what they don’t know.”
Wright said many students arrive with “misplaced expectations” about college life, including workload, attendance policies and personal responsibility. “The honeymoon is over pretty quickly,” she said. “You get your syllabi and realize, ‘Oh, I didn’t know I had to come to every class.’”
She said the transition often exposes gaps in executive functioning skills such as time management, organization and self-discipline, which can overwhelm students if not addressed early. “If students don’t harness organization and time management early, it will be their unraveling,” Wright said.
Despite those challenges, Wright emphasized that students are capable of adapting if they seek support and build structure early in their college experience. “The grade that you earn is
the grade that you worked for,” she said. “You are the author of that story. You are the creator of that experience.”
As students adjust to life at UC, those who have been through it say success often comes down to engagement, effort and patience. “It’s the people that make the place,” Patel said. “You’re only going to get out what you put in.”
TIPS FOR STRATEGIC ACADEMIC PLANNING
Planning your academic career can be daunting, especially when navigating the many resources available at the University of Cincinnati.
There are several advising centers to choose from within each college and virtual options for appointments to accommodate your schedule. If you aren’t ready to declare a major, the exploratory program at UC will help you find the right path towards success.
To begin outlining your academic journey, Catalyst, UC’s online student portal, is the best place to start when selecting classes each semester. It also includes your academic record, grades, transcripts and transfer credit evaluations.
After selecting the “academics” option on the platform, the “classes and schedule” tab gives you the option to search for classes within
your field of interest and to build a schedule that fits your availability.
The degree audit in the “academic progress” section will help you stay on track with your academic requirements and lists classes and electives that align with your major, minor or certificate.
If you are having trouble navigating Catalyst or are lost on which direction to pursue, academic advisers are here to help. “My Bearcat Network” is an excellent way to connect with your assigned adviser, schedule classes, ask questions and check in on academic progress throughout the semester.
Another degree-planning tool that will assist you in securing your degree is your “My Graduation Plan.” This platform can monitor your education goals, plan several courses for your degree and view the prerequisites that are
required for each course.
Whether it’s your first year on campus or you’re preparing to graduate, using these tools is essential for identifying which credits still need to be fulfilled and keeping your academic progress on track.
UC student Riya Patel poses for a photo on April 14, 2026, in John R. Braunstein Hall at UC. EMILY WIDMAN | FEATURES REPORTER
LELA WALKER | OPINION REPORTER
French Hall at UC on April 14, 2026. EMILY WIDMAN | FEATURES REPORTER
TIPS FOR INCOMING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Moving to college can be daunting, especially for international students adjusting to life in a new country. With that in mind, here are a few tips every international student should know:
JOBS
During the semester, international students can work up to 20 hours per week and up to 40 hours during official university breaks. Work must be on campus, unless otherwise approved, and always in compliance with a student’s documents.
SCHOLARSHIPS
If you have a scholarship, make sure you know how many hours of community service you need per semester and look for
opportunities early on. Volunteer opportunities can be found on volunteer.uc.edu where you can discover on and off campus experiences. Be sure to know the GPA requirement and ensure it is maintained every semester.
CLUBS
The University of Cincinnati has over 70 clubs and organizations dedicated to international students and getting involved is a great way to find a community. Go to involvement fairs, look around campus and find what interests you.
BREAKS
Start planning early for breaks. Many residence halls at UC charge additional fees for staying during longer breaks, so research
those fees and consider other options for the time off if you are unable to travel back home.
TAXES
All nonresidents in the U.S. on a student visa must file Form 8843. As soon as fall semester is over, find information on filing taxes through UC International Services and make sure to complete everything before the deadline. Deadlines typically fall around May for students with income and June for those without income.
The key to college life is to not be afraid to ask for help. Nurture connections and create a community of people you can count on while far from home.
JULIA VIANNA SISTE | STAFF REPORTER
A person walks past Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Feb. 18, 2026. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC DORM GUIDE: DECOR, ESSENTIALS AND COMMUNITY
CHLOE HALL | NEWS REPORTER
Moving into your first dorm is an experience that you will never have again. Away from your childhood home, you can craft an entirely new living space in whatever style you would like. You will be doing this alongside tens of thousands of other students who are also designing their new lives. While this can feel overwhelming, knowing where to start can make your first weeks in college much easier.
“I think it was really exciting,” Jordyn Fears, a first-year pre-physical therapy major, said. “This was my first time living by myself without my parents, so I could really express myself.”
While some students have private rooms, most share bedrooms and live in communal spaces. Rugs, lofted beds and small furniture can help students personalize their space, live comfortably and learn to share with others.
“I would definitely say plan ahead,” Jake Schweikhart, a first-year operations management major living in Morgens Hall, said.
“Black Friday is definitely a great time to buy things for your dorm, or Amazon Prime Day.”
Communicating with roommates about what items each person will bring can help avoid duplicate purchases and encourage coordinated planning from the start. Adding posters, trinkets and other decorations can make a dorm room feel more like home.
“I mostly wanted my dorm to be full of color,” Fears said. “It’s got a lot of red and green, and I like to decorate with my favorite things. I have my favorite album poster up and things like that.”
Some students make the most of limited space by using dresser drawers as multipurpose storage and using the area beneath lofted beds as a study space.
“I was really going for functionality,” Audrey Hemrick, a first-year mechanical engineering technology major and resident of Calhoun Hall, said.
UC students Grant Grawe and Jake Schweikhart’s apartment-style dorm in Morgens Hall at UC on April 9, 2026. SOPHIA HARSA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC students Ari Page and Audrey Hemrick’s traditional-style dorm in Calhoun Hall at UC on April 7, 2026. SOPHIA HARSA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
“Other items like laundry bins, plastic drawer organizers, extension cords, extra chargers and even larger appliances like a mini fridge can all make a dorm more functional.”
“I lofted my bed all the way up so I could put my desk under it and have more space in the room.”
Hemrick shares a room with Ari Page, a first-year mechanical engineering technology major.
“I have some art on the wall, and my side is going for a spiritual vibe,” Page said, referencing the dream catchers and other decor in her dorm. “I spend a lot of time in my room, so I like that it feels like me.”
While decorations are important, Page said practical items are just as essential.
“There’s some stuff that we share, like cleaning supplies, the broom, paper towels and dish soap, and there’s some stuff we’re willing to share, but we communicate about it first,” she said.
Other items like laundry bins, plastic drawer organizers, extension cords, extra chargers and even larger appliances like a mini fridge can all make a dorm more functional.
“I would say, for me, the most essential thing is to have a good pillow,” Schweikhart said. “But also having things you can do with new friends — things that help you connect.”
UC students Bailey Meyer and Isaac Fox’s apartment-style dorm in Morgens Hall at UC on April 9, 2026. SOPHIA HARSA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC students Ari Page and Audrey Hemrick’s traditional-style dorm in Calhoun Hall at UC on April 7, 2026.
SOPHIA HARSA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
RANDOM ROOMMATE CRASH COURSE
AVERY PADGETT | FEATURES EDITOR
Being paired with a random roommate for your first year leaves you full of uncertainty. This stranger could end up being your best friend, worst enemy or somewhere in between. But for third-year University of Cincinnati students Elena Ware and Camille Clifton, this random assignment worked out in their favor.
Their first conversation didn’t occur until they met in Turner Hall, preferring their relationship to begin organically rather than over Instagram DMs. After one day, they knew they were going to be friends.
“Going into it, I knew that I had to be myself. I couldn't try to put on an act for my new roommate,” Clifton, a criminal justice and psychology major, said. Students should feel relaxed in their dorm, and the pair advises nervous first-years to simply be considerate.
Ware, a biochemistry and neurobiology major, said it’s important to be able to “be in the presence of other people without feeling like you’re performing.”
“We did that right off the bat and I think that’s why the dorm was so peaceful and was such a good place to become good friends,” she added.
There will be things that you discover about each other over the course of the year, but here’s a quick list of questions to help kick start the get-to-know-you process.
Are you a homebody or a social butterfly?
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
What does your ideal Friday night look like?
How often do you want to host?
What do you want in a roommate?
Are there any serious conversations we should have now? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Clifton and Ware were roommates again during their third year, and they plan to stick together for their fourth year. Being roommates is “completely different than just being friends,” Clifton said.
UC students Emily Krajcirik and Jordyn Fears talk and laugh in the common space of their suite-style dorm in Schneider Hall at UC on April 9, 2026. SOPHIA HARSA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
From left: UC students Callie Faler, Karina Hovey and Grayson Humphreys laugh at a joke made by their roommate, Abby Ellis, in the living room of their apartmentstyle dorm in Morgens Hall at UC, on April 9, 2026. SOPHIA HARSA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC student Cy’Aira Miller shows her roommate, Lydia Gabbard, a video on her iPad in their apartment-style dorm in Morgens Hall at UC on April 9, 2026.
SOPHIA HARSA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC students Olivia Taylor, Emma Foltz, and Olivia Koop talk in the kitchen of their apartment-style dorm in Morgens Hall at UC on April 9, 2026.
SOPHIA HARSA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC students Grant Grawe and Jake Schweikhart converse in their apartmentstyle dorm in Morgens Hall at UC on April 9, 2026.
SOPHIA HARSA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
ADVICE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS FROM RISING SOPHOMORES
AUDREY ZELINSKI | STAFF REPORTER
For many students, the first year of college is spent meeting new people and experiencing new things. Often students find themselves needing advice on how to navigate certain aspects of the first-year experience. There’s no one better to offer that advice than the rising sophomores who most recently survived their first year.
“I wish I set less expectations for myself,” said Carleigh Clifton, a first-year social work major. “I expected to make a bunch of friends and get the best grades. I have only now realized that those expectations held me back from being open and experiencing things I never thought
I could. I’ve made great friends and gained enriching experiences, not because I expected to, but because I didn’t.”
Other students had similarly unrealistic expectations of college life. “All of the expectations I came in with, whether it be about dorm life, connecting with others, workload or resources were all far different than I initially could have imagined,” said Zane Sawyer, a second-year geography and environmental studies major.
“First semester especially can be stressful when surprises and change show up but it all works out and you’ve got to trust that.”
Evan Kershaw, a first-year saxophone performance major, found that the best way to adjust these expectations is to be as open as possible.
“It’s almost always a good idea to say ‘yes,’” Kershaw said. “From making close friends to finding useful connections and resources to performance opportunities … being open to new experiences is so helpful for so many different aspects of my life, and something I’m really glad to have gotten better at this year.” For first-year students, keeping an open mind and letting go of expectations can make the transition to college feel a little less overwhelming.
A crowd of people dances together at the Neon Lights event hosted by the UC Gujarati Student Association on Sept. 5, 2025, at Top Cats in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE COLLEGE
PAULINA ARANA | STAFF REPORTER
College was not anything like I imagined. The second I stepped onto campus for my first year, I lost my sense of what my life was. It felt like I was living a completely new life — and in reality, I was.
I had left behind everything that felt normal — my family, friends, home, and my culture.
Campus was a world full of unknowns that I wasn’t prepared for and struggled to adjust to. As I lost my sense of normal, I lost my sense of who I was. I noticed the parts that make me who I am — like my extroversion — starting to fade. I began questioning everything, from my decision to move away for college to my own capabilities. I felt trapped in my anxieties
COLLEGE CLASSROOM MYTHS VS. REALITY
At some point in their high school career, students begin to form ideas about what life after graduation will be like. Through conversations with friends, family and advisers, an image of the college experience forms. Some of what students hear about college is true and worth keeping in mind. However, many find that their expectations don’t always match reality.
Many students are told in high school that college professors will be much stricter on classroom conduct. For University of Cincinnati fourth-year criminal justice major Max Artbauer, the experience was the opposite.
“At my high school, the amount of times we were told how strict college professors were was truly unthinkable,” Artbauer said. “But
when I hit college, I had nothing but very understanding professors.”
Artbauer also heard that professors were often unwilling to be flexible on attendance or help students who fall behind — something that proved untrue. “They would work with me every step of the way to make sure I was where I needed to be,” Artbauer said.
This flexibility allowed Artbauer to spend more time at his job at The Benchmark Outdoor Outfitters, which gave him opportunities to travel. “Even when I asked to leave town for a work event unrelated to school, they helped me understand what was going to happen the days I would be gone and one even pushed my due dates back,” Artbauer said.
and constant overthinking, and I longed to return to the comforts of my old life. I kept these feelings to myself because it seemed like no one around me felt the same way.
Eventually, I realized that the struggle to adjust was normal. Coming to college is an overwhelming transition, and acclimating takes time. I needed to discover and build my new normal.
I found that building a routine created a sense of normalcy. I would wake up, go to the gym, study and go to bed at similar times every day. This gave my life structure and made me feel like I was in control again.
Participating in activities that resembled comforting ones from home, like doing radio shows with Bearcast Media, helped reignite parts of myself that had faded.
As a first-year, I wish I’d known that it’s okay to struggle at first. Be patient with yourself, and remember that just because it’s uncomfortable now, that doesn’t mean it will stay that way forever.
Arts & Sciences Hall Room 127 at UC on April 16, 2026. LUCAS GRIFFITH | MANAGING EDITOR
Coming to college can be an intimidating prospect. Leaving your hometown, school, and environment that have been familiar for what feels like a lifetime can be a difficult adjustment made even more daunting by rumors of what life in college looks like. However, many of these rumors are just that — rumors. Form your own opinions, keep an open mind, and don’t go in expecting the worst.
LUCAS GRIFFITH | MANAGING EDITOR
TNR staff reporter Paulina Arana poses for a photo with a Puerto Rican flag on April 11, 2026, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. BECCA HUNTER | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A QUICK GUIDE TO CINCINNATI ARCHITECTURE
LUCAS SCHMIED | STAFF REPORTER
For students new to the area or those looking to explore more of their hometown, architectural sightseeing is a great way to experience Cincinnati. There’s no shortage of architecturally significant buildings with storied pasts across the city.
Kevin McCormick, a social studies teacher of 24 years at Walnut Hills High School, created his “Cincinnati Revealed” Instagram page to celebrate the “unique architecture of the Queen City.” The account has amassed more than 50,000 followers and has featured almost 3,000 buildings across the city.
One of McCormick’s favorite buildings at the University of Cincinnati is Van Wormer Hall. Designed in 1899 by Cincinnati’s historic Samuel Hannaford & Sons firm, UC’s original library is defined by its double-height Ionic columns, glass dome and classical revival styling. At night, you may spot its bright colorful lights shining through the glass dome.
TIPS FOR SECURING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
For many first-year students at the University of Cincinnati, finding volunteer opportunities can feel like a maze. Between unfamiliar surroundings and logistical challenges, getting started is often the hardest part.
Cara Walters, the program coordinator for the Center for Community Engagement, said the most common issue is simple: Students don’t know where to begin. “First-year students from outside the area might not be as familiar with Cincinnati yet, and volunteering in a new city can feel overwhelming,” she said. “Transportation can be another barrier, especially for first-year students who may not have a car.”
To address this, UC offers a centralized resource: volunteer.uc.edu. Through the portal,
students can browse opportunities, sign up and track their hours.
Many volunteer opportunities are also located along bus routes. “CCE works with Metro to help educate students on how to navigate the bus system,” Walters said. “Many volunteer opportunities can be found along Metro bus lines and UC’s own Bearcat Transportation System.”
Still, students say challenges persist. Olivia Szor, a first-year violin major, recalls struggling to find opportunities that fit both her schedule and transportation limitations. “Many of the positions listed on the Center for Community Engagement website that worked with my schedule were too difficult for me to get to
McCormick also notes the incredible design of the Trailside Museum in Burnet Woods and Bellevue Hill Park Pavilion, both located in must-see parks within walking distance of campus. Both buildings were designed by architect and UC alum R. Carl Freund in 1939 and 1955, respectively. Freund designed in the style of organic modernism, drawing inspiration from iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This style emphasizes a connection to nature, perfect for Cincinnati Parks.
The final spot in our guide is the John Uri Lloyd House, or “Lloyd House,” located at 3901 Clifton Avenue. Cincinnati native and famed architect James W. McLaughlin designed this impressive home in 1888 for Dr. John Uri Lloyd, a well-known pioneer in botanical medicine. The building features half-round arches and medieval masonry, topped with shingling in the upper parts of the structure. McCormick calls this eclectic style a “Shingle-Richardsonian Romanesque hybrid.”
Beyond campus, McCormick recommends exploring other neighborhoods across Cincinnati.
because I don’t have a car,” Szor said. She instead relies on her scholarship program and the organizations they connect her with to find hours that fit her schedule.
“The Center for Community Engagement website can be helpful in finding small volunteer events, but I would recommend looking at larger organizations like the Civic Garden Center, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the museum center for straightforward volunteering events with plenty of information provided,” Szor said.
Van Wormer Hall at UC on April 12, 2026. CADE MORAN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
UC student Avery Cook-Porter weeds an invasive plant, garlic mustard, on April 11, 2026, at the Cincinnati Nature Center in Milford, Ohio. SOPHIA HARSA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
AUBREY WINEINGER | STAFF REPORTER
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM UC FOOTBALL IN 2026-27
COLIN KUNZ | SPORTS REPORTER
“Architectural enthusiasts should check out the West End’s Dayton Street to appreciate high-style Italianate and experience the revitalization of Cincinnati’s original ‘Millionaires’ Row’,” McCormick said.
For first-year students, stepping off campus and into the city’s architectural history can be the first step toward making Cincinnati feel like home.
With graduates, draftees and the transfer portal, there is a lot to consider for the 2026-27 University of Cincinnati football season.
After finishing with a 7-6 record and a bowl game appearance, head coach Scott Satterfield and the Bearcats are in a good position for improvement during the upcoming season.
UC has already begun improving through the transfer portal, bringing several notable players to Clifton.
Headlining the portal additions is redshirt fourth-year JC French IV, a transfer quarterback from Georgia Southern University. French has already made waves in spring camp with his arm talent.
The Bearcats’ receivers will look very different, losing a few top talents to both the draft and the portal. Some names to watch for include redshirt third-year Larenzo Fenner, redshirt second-year Cade Wolford, and redshirt thirdyear Malachi Henry.
All posted solid statistics at their previous schools and will look to translate that to UC. While they all have the talent, there will be many new connections forming, so it may take a game or two to click.
The Bearcats have retained players from last season, notably three starting linemen in redshirt fourth-year Taran Tyo, redshirt fourthyear Joe Cotton, and redshirt third-year Evan Tengesdahl. These three will allow French the time he needs to stand tall in the pocket and take advantage of downfield opportunities.
With talent coming in and out, the team may see a similar result to last season.
The three toughest games in conference will likely be Brigham Young University, University of Utah, and most notably, Texas Tech University, when Nippert Stadium will host the return of former UC quarterback Brendan Sorsby. These matchups will be key tests for a team looking to take the next step this season.
UC Bearcats linebacker Brian Simms III (17), right, attempts to block a pass from Baylor University Bears quarterback Sawyer Robertson (13), center, to wide receiver Josh Cameron (34), left, during an NCAA football game on Oct. 25, 2025, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. TAVISH SWEENEY | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
The Trailside Nature Center in Burnet Woods Park in Cincinnati on April 12, 2026.
