Cincinnati is slated to host Boston College on Saturday at Nippert Stadium, as Scott Satterfield hopes to build upon last year’s 7-6 mark in his fourth season as head coach of the Bearcats.
Finally removed of the Brendan Sorsby drama, Cincinnati looks to move forward with a new offense led by offensive coordinator Nate Wood from Army, and a particularly deep defense with seasoned playmakers between the front seven and the secondary. Just how quickly can the Bearcats piece things together in 2026? It all starts with besting the Eagles this weekend.
BC finished 2-10 overall last year under Bill O’Brien, who lost 10 straight games as head coach of the Eagles. The offensive line is deeper than a year ago, and 195-pound fourth-year running back Evan Dickens is listed as the starting running back. Expect BC to accomplish more on the ground than they would’ve last year, as Cincinnati looks to meet that ground game head-on in Week 1.
Here is our game preview, prediction and pick
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Larenzo Fenner, Cincinnati
Breaking out for 1,001 yards as a junior at South Dakota, Larenzo Fenner lends French and the Bearcats a dynamic weapon in the pass game and enables two prospective QBs, French or Liam O’Brien, to try the deep ball.
Mason McKenzie, Boston College
O’Brien and the staff tapped Division II transfer Mason McKenzie, throwing for 4,300-plus yards at Saginaw Valley State in Michigan, as its starting quarterback entering the Cincinnati game. He’s capable with his arm, and his legs, as the 6-foot-1, 200-pound QB looks to match the pace of JC French.
PREDICTION
Cincinnati 30, Boston College 16
The Bearcats are a 7.5-point favorite entering this contest, but, at a glance, Satterfield seemingly has more in the tank than a still-rebuilding Boston College program. I’d hammer the over in this contest and expect the Bearcats to open the season with a win.
