Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Mikah Coleman is set to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to On3.
Coleman becomes the latest roster departure for the Bearcats as the program completed its third regular season competing in the Big 12 conference
The 6-foot-4 defensive lineman appeared in 11 games during the 2025 season, recording 10 solo tackles and two sacks. Coleman contributed as part of the Bearcats’ defensive line rotation and added veteran depth under head coach Scott Satterfield.
After back-to-back losing seasons, the Bearcats showed signs of progress in 2025, finishing the regular season with a 7-5 record. However, that momentum stalled late in the year as Cincinnati dropped its final four games, which were all Big 12 matchups.
The late-season skid raised questions heading into the offseason as the program continues adjusting to the challenges of competing in a Power Four conference.
Coleman played his first two seasons with Eastern Michigan before arriving at Cincinnati.
The late-season slide prevented the Bearcats from reaching eight wins for the first time since 2022 and showed the challenges of competing in one of the toughest leagues in college football.
However, the team will have an opportunity to close the year on a high note in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Navy on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Despite the improved record, Cincinnati struggled with consistency on both sides of the ball down the stretch, and roster movement like Coleman’s will be key in shaping how the program regroups heading into 2026.
