Twenty-two transfers are officially on the University of Cincinnati Bearcats’ roster, ready to make a huge impact as their season kicks off against Boston College on September 5. This isn’t just about adding bodies, folks. UC general manager Zach Grant and his crew have been grinding, watching endless hours of video, and scouring the country to find those hidden gems. When you’re not leading the Big 12 in payroll, you gotta be smart, and these guys are proving it.
We’ve seen it pay off before, right? Jake Golday, a linebacker from Central Arkansas, went on to be a second-round NFL pick for the Minnesota Vikings. Last season, Jeff Caldwell came from FCS Lindenwood and ended up a free agent pick. Cyrus Allen, who had a tough year at Texas A&M after transferring from Louisiana Tech, bounced back big for UC with 51 catches and tied a school record with 13 touchdown receptions, leading him to a fifth-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs. Caldwell wasn’t slouching either, snagging 36 passes for six touchdowns. So yeah, these guys know how to spot talent.
French and Payne Are Ready to Run the Show
The new additions for 2026 are looking just as promising. Leading the charge at quarterback is JC French IV, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound fifth-year player who left Georgia Southern as their all-time leading passer. His old coach, Clay Helton, is banking on him to kill it in the Big 12. And get this: French was sacked 29 times last year trying to make plays, but now he’s got an offensive line that only allowed eight sacks last season. That’s a massive upgrade, right? If French needs a breather, Penn transfer Liam O’Brien already proved his leadership in training camp.
Then there’s Gi’Bran Payne, the running back from Notre Dame. He’s coming home for his final college season after being stuck behind NFL first-round picks Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. The former state champion from La Salle High School is looking for a Corey Kiner-type year in front of his home crowd. His experience, plus those pass-catching and pass-blocking skills, mean he’s gonna be on the field a ton. And don’t forget Stanford transfer Cole Tabb, Louisiana transfer Zylan Perry, and sophomore Zion Johnson; they’re all viable backs who will absolutely get their reps.
Playmakers Ready to Light Up the Field
Out wide, JV Gibson, a 6-foot-2, 208-pound fifth-year receiver, has a story that screams redemption. After 18 catches and a touchdown at Oklahoma, he’s looking to replicate his Arkansas-Pine Bluff numbers where he pulled in 70 catches for nine touchdowns. He was the top receiver in spring, and the competition has only gotten hotter. Then there’s Cade Wolford, the 5-foot-10, 195-pound Kent State transfer who’s basically that Wes Welker/Julian Edelman slot guy that drives defenses crazy. Last season for the Golden Flashes, he had 19 catches for seven touchdowns, averaging a wild 26.8 yards per catch. He even rushed for 96 yards and returned kicks. This guy’s a Swiss Army knife.
On defense, keep an eye on cornerback Kenny Worthy. The junior transferred from Washington State after playing 12 games for the Cougars last season. He’s been an absolute interception machine during the preseason, and his presence is going to be a huge help in that secondary.
The Bearcats are bringing in some serious talent with these 22 transfers, and it’s clear Zach Grant isn’t messing around. Their opener against Boston College on September 5 is going to be our first real look at how this new crew gels. What kind of breakout year are we about to see from these guys?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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