Before their annual Spring Showcase April 18 at Nippert Stadium, the Cincinnati Bearcats football team got in a “rehearsal” outdoors Friday, April 10.
Previous spring practices had been at the Sheakley Indoor Performance Facility, but the Bearcats went outside and got in over 100 plays in two-plus hours before evening showers hit the area.
Tight end Gavin Grover’s touchdown and defensive back CJ Crite’s interception were among the highlights of Cincinnati football’s second scrimmage of the spring on Friday at Historic Nippert Stadium.
“We’re just trying to see what guys can make plays and what guys can’t,” UC head coach Scott Satterfield said. “Like I tell the guys, every time you step on the field, you’re proving that I have to play you. On the other side of that is you’re proving that I can’t play you.”
First-year freshmen and veterans all got looks, with many players given opportunities to prove themselves. The scrimmage was situational, including some end-of-game scenarios.
Though the defense held the offense from scoring on the last two-minute drill, quarterback JC French IV still had a decent day moving the sticks.
Effectiveness of Cincinnati Bearcats QB JC French IV
French has thrown four touchdowns without a turnover in two spring scrimmages thus far. He had a 40-yard TD toss to redshirt freshman Gio Kontosis and another score to transfer JV Gibson who played for the Oklahoma Sooners a year ago.
“I think he’s been very impressive these 12 practices,” Satterfield said of French. “I think he’s gotten better and better as we’ve gone through. He’s gotten more comfortable. And again, we’re throwing a lot of stuff at him right now, and the way we’re coaching him, what we’re wanting him to do, I think he’s lived up to that. Today, he made a couple of errant throws, but I mean, the thing about JC that comes across is that he throws a very good, catchable football and it’s accurate, and he plays with a lot of poise. He runs probably better than I thought he could run when he got here. You can tell he’s a veteran. You can tell he’s played a lot of football. And so, it’s been good to see, and really for him it’s just about getting comfortable with the wide receivers and tight ends and the guys he’s throwing it to.”
The comfort appears there with French and with the other quarterbacks in the mix.
Other highlights during Friday’s scrimmage included transfer Malachi Henry hauling in a 50-yard pass from quarterback Liam O’Brien, a transfer from Penn. Henry has been a big-play threat after scoring three touchdowns in last weekend’s scrimmage.
Comparing Cincinnati Bearcats offense under French to recent years
It’s really too early to tell with all of the different players in different spots, but the core of the philosophy will remain.
“We’re going to do what we do,” Satterfield said. “We’re going to be able to run the football, which is going to help him (French). I think what he’ll be able to do is complete the football to guys at a high rate. Hopefully, we’ll be able to stay on the sticks more and continue to be able to move the football. A quarterback’s job is to get the ball out to the playmakers and get those first downs which will lead to touchdowns and take care of the football.”
Satterfield said Georgia Southern’s offense gave up a lot of sacks and that’s something they’re looking to improve with French by checking down on receivers or getting rid of the ball.
French was sacked 29 times last season to just seven for Brendan Sorsby. Evan Tengesdahl, Taran Tyo and Joe Cotton all return from that offensive line that allowed Sorsby to make plays and eventually get paid.
Expect multiple running backs to contribute in 2026
Transfer running back Zylan Perry took a swing pass for a chunk play to set up a touchdown pass from redshirt sophomore quarterback Samaj Jones to sure-handed tight end Gavin Grover from the goal line. Also starring in the backfield were Zion Johnson and Gi’Bran Payne with rushing scores.
Perry, a redshirt senior from Louisiana, was cleared to practice last week and showed his effectiveness.
“Today was live and we were able to see him,” Satterfield said. “He’s a strong runner with quicks. I saw some good vision. It’ll be good for him to get another week under the belt and be able to finish it off Saturday (Spring Showcase).”
Satterfield sees several running backs that can help, much like last year was divided up between Tawee Walker, Evan Pryor, Manny Covey and later with Zion Johnson.
Johnson has the most experience in the UC offense and has been impressive, but so has Payne from Notre Dame and Perry. Cole Tabb from Stanford should also eventually help.
“They’re big play threat guys,” Satterfield said. “They’re also great protection guys in the passing game and there’s not a lot of drop-off from one to the next. We anticipate those guys all playing and being at a high level for us.”
UC shows deep threat
The biggest offensive play of the day came on an 80-yard touchdown toss from true freshman Brooks Goodman to fellow first-year player H’eij Jackson. Jackson is yet another UC receiver discovery at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds from Louisiana. That state has recently provided Cyrus Allen and Caleb Goodie from last year’s team and Jackson and Gibson from this year’s group.
Jones found junior receiver Isaiah Johnson for a score during a red zone situational drill, too and Williamsburg High product Pierce Ayers had a scoring catch.
On defense, Crite’s interception came in the end zone to thwart a scoring drive, and redshirt freshman linebacker Terrell Holcomb blew up a run play for a huge tackle for loss near the end of practice.
2026 Cincinnati Bearcats schedule features all Saturday games
The Big 12 recently announced its match-ups for games during the week and the Cincinnati Bearcats are not included. Every UC football game will be on Saturday.
“I like the routine of a Saturday and leave those (Friday) games for high school football,” Satterfield said. “That’s sacred. What you do like about Friday is the exposure you get for your program. You play Friday night, you’re on national TV. That part is good. As a coach, unless you have a bye week before or after, it’s hard. You’ve got a six-day turnaround. A short week is difficult for your guys, especially in the middle of a season.”
Satterfield went on to say he and UC have no control over the schedule selections, including whether games at Nippert get scheduled at night. UC was technically only “under the lights” once last season for the BYU game Nov. 22.
“I love Nipp at night!” Satterfield said. “The BYU game was an incredible atmosphere. I’d love to have a few more of those. It would be awesome. Again, we have no control over that. If we did, we’d certainly try to have more.”
2026 Ticket Information
Renewals are live for 2025 season ticket holders, and fans looking to become first-time season ticket holders in 2026 can now place a deposit. For the Saturday, April 18 Spring Showcase at noon, prepaid parking is available in the Corry and Calhoun garages for $6. Otherwise, parking is available in the Campus Green garage for $10 (credit card only).
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Offensive fireworks on display at Cincinnati Bearcats scrimmage
Reporting by Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
