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.

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 Basketball Adds Elite Defensive Guard Javontae Campbell to 2026-27 Roster

Here are some Cincinnati Bearcats football fan upgrades before their Sept. 5 opener at Nippert Stadium vs. Boston College.