Cincinnati Bearcats get nighttime Big 12 win over Kansas State

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Cincinnati Bearcats get nighttime Big 12 win over Kansas State

Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer · The Enquirer

Sun, Sep 27, 2026 ·

6 min read

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How has the Cincinnati Bearcats ' nocturnal success been at historic Nippert Stadium?

Good enough for two wins this season and a 4-0 start.

For a second straight week, the Cincinnati Bearcats came back from a halftime deficit to pull out a win, taking down the Kansas State Wildcats 31-26 in the Big 12 opener at Nippert Stadium.

"That was fun!" UC head coach Scott Satterfield said. "I appreciate everyone showing up; it was a great atmosphere, particularly our students. They've been great all four games here in Cincinnati. They were into that, and our guys feed off of it. Nipp at night is real and obviously Kansas State felt that this evening."

UC basketball recruit Josh Tyson 4-star guard Josh Tyson makes his pick, committing to UC Bearcats

The Bearcats scored 21 of their 31 points in the second half after trailing 17-10.

UC tied, then took the lead in the third quarter on back-to-back drives ending with Cole Tabb rushing touchdowns. Tabb finished with three rushing scores and 124 yards on the ground, while Gi'Bran Payne ran for 126. It was Payne's third 100-yard effort in as many games as a Bearcat.

"He makes it a lot easier for me, wearing guys down so that I can get some creases whenever I get my chances," Tabb said. "We got four guys who can all play and Gi'Bran's been leading us out. That's been working."

It was Payne's best game as a Bearcat and he may have scored too had not his former La Salle High School teammate Koy Beasley caught him on a 53-yard run.

"He's very fast," Payne said. "I definitely should have put a move on him. There's definitely more long runs to come from both of us."

Payne said he didn't talk to Beasley after the run, opting to "keep it business".

Cincinnati Bearcats running back Gi'Bran Payne (6) is run out of bounds by Kansas State Wildcats safety Logan Bartley (10) in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

The performance gave UC a pair of 100-yard rushers for the first time since the Iowa State game in Ames in 2024 when Brendan Sorsby and Corey Kiner passed the century mark.

"Our offensive line did a really good job of creating some holes and they've done a great job of finding those holes and then making some cuts."

Kansas State got a late touchdown run from Rodney Fields Jr. to get within five points, but missed on the two-point conversion. The Bearcats then recovered the onside kick. Given the ball back, they did little on offense, returning the ball to the Wildcats. Fortunately, the UC defense held on to the much-needed Big 12 victory.

The Bearcats were outgained 446-436 thanks to Kansas State's last possession but outrushed them 271-155. The Wildcats previously allowed only 96 yards per game on the ground in their first three games.

Quarterback JC French IV finished 8-for-13 passing for 165 yards and a score to Malachi Henry, while Kansas State QB Avery Johnson was as advertised, going 30-for-50 for 291 yards. The upside is he threw for just one touchdown and was held to 38 yards rushing after running for 152 last week vs. Tulane.

"Our O-line and backs do such a good job, it's hard to not run the ball," French said. "That's the heart and soul of this team. I'm good with whatever we've got to do to win."

French threw to seven different receivers on the night.

UC goes to 4-0 for the first time under Coach Scott Satterfield and for the seventh time since the turn of the century, the last being in 2021 under Luke Fickell when they advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinal vs. Alabama in the Cotton Bowl.

Kansas State falls to 3-1.

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Photos: Kansas State Wildcats at Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Malachi Henry (9) catches a touchdown pass as Kansas State Wildcats cornerback Kaleb Patterson (7) chases him in the second quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats running back Joe Jackson (4) is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Malachi Henry (9) in the second quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

A parachuter flying the American Flag parachutes into the stadium during the National Anthem before the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats take the field before the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats color guard performs before the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

A Cincinnati Bearcats band majorette performs before the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats band performs before the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

A Cincinnati Bearcats dance team member waives pomp pomps before the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cheerleaders sing along to the Cincinnati Bearcats Alma Mater song before the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

People look on during the National Anthem before the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Darien Whitaker (6) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) hands of in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) runs for a first down in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats safety MJ Cannon (2) attempts to tackles Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Derrick Salley Jr. (15) in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Derrick Salley Jr. (15) runs down field as Cincinnati Bearcats safety Jasper Beeler (18) goes to tackle him in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) is tackled in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats cornerback Kaleb Patterson (7) knocks the ball away from Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver JV Gibson (11) in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Mekhi Mason (4) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JJ Miller (22) tackles Kansas State Wildcats running back Joe Jackson (4) in the first quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) runs the ball in the second quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats tight end Will Anciaux (80) is looked at by training staff in the second quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) throws a pass in the second quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats running back Rodney Fields Jr. (20) avoids a tackle attempt by Cincinnati Bearcats inside linebacker Simeon Coleman (31) in the second quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats running back Rodney Fields Jr. (20) scores a touchdown as Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Jacob Finley (0) and Kansas State Wildcats safety Ja'Son Prevard (3) attempt to stop him in the second quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Kansas State Wildcats running back Rodney Fields Jr. (20) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) stiff arms Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Gabe Powers (35) in the second quarter of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas State Wildcats at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)

Night time is right time for Cincinnati Bearcats in 2026

Before the trouncing of FCS Western Carolina , the Bearcats under Scott Satterfield had no nighttime wins at home in kickoffs of 7 p.m. or later. Since 2006, UC was 40-16 when the event was labeled "Nipp at Night."

It was Kansas State's second night game of the season, the first coming in Manhattan in a 71-3 drubbing of Nicholls.

3 keys for UC

UC's night vision opened up in the second half for the second straight week.
UC was good enough in the trenches to pop Cole Tabb into the end zone three times and finish with two rushers over 100 yards.
UC's defense struggled with Avery Johnson, but found a way.

"If they throw the ball 50 times, that's not what they really want to do," Satterfield said. "We wanted to keep him in the pocket, making him feel like there's nowhere to go, then throw the ball. He's deadly when he can run the football."

Linebacker Jonathan Thompson led the defense with eight tackles while Jasper Beeler and Antwan Peek Jr. had seven each. Peek Jr. added a forced fumble, his ninth of his career, to put him in second place on UC's all-time list, behind his father, Antwan Peek, who stripped 17 in his career.

"We always talk in practice, 'hats to the ball' and hold them 'til someone can come punch it out," Peek Jr. said. "I'm not really looking for stats; I'm just doing what I'm coached to do. Every time I can go in for a tackle I know some way I'll get to that ball."

Previous Big 12 'Nipp at Night' games

In Satterfield's first season, the Bearcats ended 2023 with a 49-16 loss to Kansas. In 2024, the season finale was again the only Big 12 night game at home, with UC losing in the snow to TCU, 20-13.

Last season, they had a big opportunity vs. No. 11 BYU. Unfortunately, they were stopped on fourth down at the 3-yard line to prevent a score; Brendan Sorsby had a costly interception that gave BYU field position for a touchdown and UC had a fumble on the BYU 17-yard line. Add on three field goals, uncharacteristically missed, and the Bearcats quite possibly didn't convert on 23 points. The Cougars won the game 26-14.

This season, UC is 2-0 in 7 p.m. kicks.

Other night opportunities for Cincinnati Bearcats?

You can look no further than next weekend if you're a night owl and you don't mind an 11 p.m. start time. The Bearcats take on Arizona, which is on Mountain Time in the fall; it will be 8 p.m.

UC's last night road win was Oct. 18 last year, when they went to Oklahoma State as the No. 24 team in the nation and plowed the Cowboys 49-17 to secure bowl eligibility. But two weeks later, after ESPN GameDay in Salt Lake City, the Bearcats got taken to the woodshed by Utah, 45-14.

As for any more potential home games under Nippert lights, those are all decided between the Big 12 and their TV partners. Two currently ranked teams that may warrant primetime are Texas Tech, who come here for Homecoming Oct. 24, and/or Utah, which comes to Cincinnati for Halloween on Oct. 31.

After that, the only remaining home game would be vs. Colorado on Nov. 21, when evenings can be brisk.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bearcats get nighttime Big 12 win over Kansas State

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