Cincinnati Bearcats receivers who could impact 2026 season
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Cincinnati Bearcats receivers who could impact 2026 season
Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer·The Enquirer
·
5 min read
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University of Cincinnati Bearcatsfootball is missing 135 receptions from last season via the NFL andthe transfer portal. Only two receivers who had catches in 2025 returned, and they combined for 16 receptions.
On the other hand, UC added 150 college receptions through the 2026 portal.
Behind a better offensive line than he had at Georgia Southern, French could reach 3,000 if UC's 2026 receivers step up the way the 2025 group did. Taking over as receivers coach is Vijay Stingley, who was inside receivers coach last season. He's been with Satterfield since the 2020 season in Louisville.
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cade Wolford (8) carries the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Jayzon Thompson (26) runs with the ball as Cincinnati Bearcats Inside Linebacker Mantay Weedon (44) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cade Wolford (8) catches a punt during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Zach Taylor (76) runs on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Will Kocher (15) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Zylan Perry (7) speaks with teammates during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Zac Clarke (63) blocks Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Luke Collins (79) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats inside linebacker Evan Weinberg hits a pad during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Dadrien Waller (19) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Luke Collins (79) runs on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Cole Tabb runs the ball as Cincinnati Bearcats Safety Landen Schaefer (32) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver DaMari Witherspoon (88) catches a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Cornerback Kenny Worthy (8) defends as Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Giyahni Kontosis (18) makes a catch during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Elijah Jones (14) takes a knee during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Liam O'Brien (10) high fives Cincinnati Bearcats JC French IV (4) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats defensive back Markell Taylor (27) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Malachi Henry (9) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Jamarion McKinney (21) and Cincinnati Bearcats Safety Xavier Starks (46) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Tight End Gavin Grover (87) stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Evan Tengesdahl stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati offensive lineman Xavier Lozowicki stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Kicker Max Lemasters (93) prepares to kick during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield walks the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Joe Cotton (74) stands during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Cornerback Kenny Woseley (8) walks the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Malachi Henry (9) stands on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Zylon Perry (7) runs the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Isaiah Johnson (0), Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Elijah Janes (14) and Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Cade Wolford (8) look on during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver H’eij Jackson (17) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Cole Tabb (4) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Will Kocher (15) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Zylon Perry (7) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cade Wolford (8) carries the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Jayzon Thompson (26) runs with the ball as Cincinnati Bearcats Inside Linebacker Mantay Weedon (44) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Cade Wolford (8) catches a punt during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Zach Taylor (76) runs on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Will Kocher (15) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Zylan Perry (7) speaks with teammates during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Zac Clarke (63) blocks Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Luke Collins (79) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats inside linebacker Evan Weinberg hits a pad during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Dadrien Waller (19) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Luke Collins (79) runs on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Cole Tabb runs the ball as Cincinnati Bearcats Safety Landen Schaefer (32) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver DaMari Witherspoon (88) catches a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Cornerback Kenny Worthy (8) defends as Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Giyahni Kontosis (18) makes a catch during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Elijah Jones (14) takes a knee during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Liam O'Brien (10) high fives Cincinnati Bearcats JC French IV (4) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats defensive back Markell Taylor (27) during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Malachi Henry (9) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Jamarion McKinney (21) and Cincinnati Bearcats Safety Xavier Starks (46) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Tight End Gavin Grover (87) stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Evan Tengesdahl stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati offensive lineman Xavier Lozowicki stretches during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Kicker Max Lemasters (93) prepares to kick during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield walks the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Offensive Lineman Joe Cotton (74) stands during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Cornerback Kenny Woseley (8) walks the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Malachi Henry (9) stands on the field during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Zylon Perry (7) runs the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Isaiah Johnson (0), Cincinnati Bearcats Wide Receiver Elijah Janes (14) and Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Cade Wolford (8) look on during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver H’eij Jackson (17) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Cole Tabb (4) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Will Kocher (15) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Quarterback Samaj Jones (5) throws a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Photos: Cincinnati Bearcats training camp, 8/8
Cincinnati Bearcats Running Back Zylon Perry (7) runs with the ball during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
Malachi Henry, senior, Central Arkansas transfer– From the school that brought the Bearcats future pro linebacker Jake Golday, Henry had 69 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns.
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"Malachi's had a great three weeks of practice." Satterfield said. "(He's) very, very consistent, very poised in catching the football."
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Malachi Henry (9) catches a pass as Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Jamarion McKinney (21) and Cincinnati Bearcats Safety Xavier Starks (46) defends during the Cincinnati Bearcats football practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
Larenzo Fenner, senior, South Dakota transfer– Fenner played a season with left tackle Joe Cotton in South Dakota and that was a big influence in getting him to Cincinnati. He caught 44 passes for 1,001 yards and 15 touchdowns and averaged 22.5 yards per catch, second-best in FCS.
"He's really developed his physicality," Stingley said. "Obviously, he's a vertical threat down the field. He's had a ton of experience. He's a football player that can run the whole route tree."
Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Larenzo Fenner (2) catches a pass during the Cincinnati Bearcats Spring Showcase in Cincinnati on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Cade Wolford, junior, Kent State transfer– The 5-foot-10 speedster from Jackson, Ohio, caught 19 passes for the Golden Flashes for 509 yards and seven touchdowns and averaged 26.8 yards per catch. He also had 96 rushing yards and a touchdown and returned kicks. He came to Kent State as a running back.
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"I trained very hard growing up and still do," Wolford said. "Speed kills. That's what they say."
Cade Wolford (8) looks to be a good "yards after catch" guy for the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Jackson, Ohio native transferred from Kent State.
JV Gibson, fifth-year player, Oklahoma transfer– Gibson caught 18 passes for the Sooners for 199 yards and a touchdown. The year before at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, he had 70 catches for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns. He's a big target at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds. Gibson could become a major "go-to" guy for quarterback French.
"JV's a big, strong kid who's made a lot of plays," Satterfield said.
UC Bearcats newcomers to watch
Jalen Williams, freshman, Bloomington, Indiana– At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, UC moved him from tight end to receiver, and he could get into the rotation with length and ball skills. Williams had 947 receiving yards for 15 touchdowns.
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"He has elite ball skills," Stingley said. "When his number's been called, he's made plays. He's definitely a one-on-one vertical threat, a guy in the red zone that can win those one-on-one matchups."
Joshua Smith, freshman, Columbus– Smith is another 6-foot-5 target who switched positions. Smith was a quarterback in high school at Africentric, totaling 4,425 yards in the air and throwing 59 touchdowns while adding 777 yards on the ground with 13 rushing scores.
"He's been as surprising as anybody," Stingley said.
Dadrien Waller, freshman, Guntersville, Alabama– Another long field-stretcher at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Waller is more evidence of the body frames UC sought in recruiting receivers.
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H'eij Jackson, freshman,New Orleans– More of the same in the freshman class, as Jackson is 6-foot-4 and 206 pounds.
"Those four (freshmen) I'm really, really excited about," Stingley said. "That was something that was done intentionally. We wanted to get bigger with that class and we were able to do so."
Pierce Ayers, sophomore, Wittenberg transfer– Ayers prepped at Williamsburg, catching passes from fellow UC walk-on JJ Miller. They both played at Wittenberg, where Ayers caught 37 balls for 440 yards and three touchdowns last season.
Jasper Beeler (18) and Isaiah Johnson (0) battle for the ball in an April 10 Cincinnati Bearcats scrimmage at Nippert Stadium.
Returning UC Bearcats receivers
Isaiah Johnson, junior– A transfer from Western Carolina last year, Johnson caught 14 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns last season.
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"This year I'm going to show that I'm more than a gadget player, that I'm a true receiver," Johnson said.
Elijah Jones, junior– A high school teammate of quarterback Samaj Jones, he had two catches for 17 yards last season.
Giyahni Kontosis, sophomore– "Geo" played in three games last season with no catches, but he could start in 2026.
"Geo's a great blocker," Satterfield said. "He's got to get a little more consistent in route running and catching the ball."
Added Stingley, "Geo Kontosis is a very physical guy. He brings the energy and physicality of the group, and guys kind of follow him."
Aug 15, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen (13) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the pre season at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Bearcats receivers moving to NFL, other teams
Cyrus Allen,Kansas City Chiefs– Allen was UC's top receiver with 51 catches last year and had a record-tying 13 touchdown receptions. He was the star of training camp for the Chiefs as a fifth-round draft choice.
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Jeff Caldwell, Chiefs– The 6-foot-5 Caldwell was taken as a free agent by the Chiefs, but he was released in an injury settlement. Caldwell caught 32 passes last season, making the jump from FCS Lindenwood University to the Big 12.
Caleb Goodie, Missouri– With the Bearcats, Goodie had 29 catches for 484 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 16.7 yards per reception after transferring from Colorado State.
Noah Jennings,Minnesota– Jennings caught 23 passes for 323 yards last season for the Bearcats after transferring from Charleston Southern.
