The Cincinnati Bearcats kicked off the 2026 college football season with a game on Saturday afternoon against the Boston College Eagles at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati that included an appearance from some of the program’s biggest stars of years past.

Gi'Bran Payne rushed for 108 yards and the Bearcats racked up 255 yards on the ground against Boston College to secure the program's 25th consecutive home-opening win.

JC French IV ran for three touchdowns and threw for another in his Cincinnati debut as quarterback to lead the Cincinnati Bearcats past the Boston College Eagles 34-15 Saturday in Cincinnati.

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' JC French rushed for a 4-yard TD that extended the lead to 17-0 over the Boston College Eagles.

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