Last year's CFP darling has plenty of production to replace in 2022. However, with experience returning in the trenches on both sides of the ball, the Cincinnati Bearcats will once again be in the mix to win the American Athletic Conference. Check out Cincinnati’s futures odds, picks, and preview for the upcoming season.
Last year, Luke Fickell and his Bearcats did what many people believed to be impossible. Despite competing in the AAC, Cincinnati qualified for the College Football Playoff following a perfect 13-0 campaign. The invite made UC the first non-Power 5 program ever to take part in the sport's four-team playoff.
Of course, the Bearcats' stay in the CFP was short-lived. Despite a defense laden with NFL-caliber talent, Cincinnati was overmatched by Alabama in its national semifinal game. Fast-forward to 2022, and Fickell's coaching staff will be tasked with working in several new starters on both sides of the ball.
Despite the turnover, fruitful recruiting efforts have resulted in high hopes for Cincinnati on the gridiron once again this fall. Last year's perfect season may be too much to replicate, but a third straight AAC championship is well within reach.