Released this morning through multiple outlets. Evan Prater should also see time.

We all kinda had an idea this was coming. This afternoon, the College Football Playoff confirmed that the playoff will expand from four to 12 teams. Here's the full release from the CFP:

1. The 12 teams will be the six conference champions ranked highest by the selection committee (no minimum ranking requirement), plus the six highest-ranked teams not included among the six highest-ranked conference champions.
2. The ranking of the teams will continue to be done by a selection committee whose size, composition, and method of selection will remain substantially unchanged. The Management Committee will modify the selection protocol as required by the change to the playoff structure.
3. The four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded one through four and each will receive a first-round bye.
4. The other eight teams will play in the first round with the higher seeds hosting the lower seeds either on campus or at other sites designated by the higher-seeded institution (No. 12 at No. 5, No. 11 at No. 6, No. 10 at No. 7 and No. 9 at No. 8.)
5. The model allows for first-round games to be played on either the second or third weekend in December in a way that best accommodates the format and the participating teams, with at least 12 days between the conference championship games and the first-round games. The Management Committee would make the final determination of the calendar.
6. Subject to reaching agreement with bowls, the four quarterfinal games and two Playoff Semifinal games would be played in bowls on a rotating basis.
7. The national championship game will continue to be played at a neutral site.
8. Subject to reaching agreement with bowls, the four highest-ranked conference champions will be assigned to quarterfinals bowls on selection day in ranking order, and in consideration of current contract bowl relationships if those bowls are selected for the rotation. For example, if the Pac-12 champion were ranked #1, the Big Ten champion were ranked #3, and the Rose Bowl were a quarterfinal site, the Pac-12 champion would be assigned to the Rose Bowl and the Big Ten champion would be assigned elsewhere.
9. With the four highest-ranked champions assigned to quarterfinal games in bowls, the opponent from first-round game winners will be assigned by the selection committee based on the bracket.
10. The higher seeds would receive preferential placement in the Playoff Semifinal games.
11. First-round games will not have title or presenting sponsors and existing venue signage will remain in place. The CFP will control the video boards.

We caught up with our friend Mason Choate from HawgBeat.com, Rivals.com's site covering Arkansas, to get a breakdown of the Razorbacks:

UC reached out here yesterday, but it seems like Lightfoot has slid down UC's board a bit. We'll see if that changes this fall. Still worth keeping an eye on.

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Guys, I caught up with one of UC's top defense targets in 2024 and one of the first calls the other night in the midnight pounce, four-star linebacker Garrett Stover, from just outside of Columbus. He's up to 18 offers now with some big ones involved, including Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan State and Penn State.
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Stover told me he's been in steady contact with UC, especially since this spring when he got a lot of in-person visits from different coaches. He told me, "I really think that’s a place I can see myself playing." And he said he's really gotten a lot of conversations in with defensive coordinator Mike Tressel, his primary recruiter and assistant coach Kerry Coombs. Stover didn't share a lot of specifics, but said he loves how he'd fit in on the Bearcats' defense and how the coaches told him he could have a hybrid role. I'm guessing he's talking about the 'dollar' position the staff has, which is in between linebacker and safety, who can blitz, be in the middle of the field or drop back a bit in coverage as the personnel dictates. Stover told me he feels like he's known Tressel for "nine years," which was an interesting comment, just that he feels so comfortable around him. And with Coombs, their relationship goes back to when Coombs was on staff with the Buckeyes, so they've talked a lot.

So, you guessed it, I do think Ohio State is the slight favorite here, but not sure where Stover is on the Buckeyes' board. If they make a serious run at him, he's definitely a big lean. Stover mentioned a lot of coaches there, including Ryan Day, who he's comfortable with. The other one to really watch is Notre Dame. Those two are the only ones he has definite plans to visit. He'll be at Ohio State this weekend for the game Saturday night and at Notre Dame in November for its game against Clemson.

Cincinnati was the first school he mentioned wanting to visit that he doesn't have a set date for. He said he also wants to get to games at Michigan State, Northwestern and Penn State. So there's some time still, here. Even if other offers come in, it's hard to see that top group of Ohio State, Notre Dame and UC changing. No timetable on a decision and doesn't seem to be in a rush right now. But I'd imagine some type of top list or cutdown this fall.

Full story coming.

Our Sam Kwiatkowski joined our friends at HawgBeat.com to talk about the game this weekend:

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Hey guys, got in one more INsider on a 2024 offer before tonight, when coaches are allowed to contact 2024 recruits at midnight. That's when we'll really see who's interested in who.
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Lightfoot is another Chicago product, which UC has hit that area hard in recent years. It makes sense. Chicago is a huge area and the two big football programs in-state, Illinois and Northwestern, aren't very good and don't have massive fan bases. Lightfoot has 24 scholarship offers also including Michigan, Michigan State, Tennessee, Notre Dame and USC.

With UC, it sounds like earlier this summer and even spring, Lightfoot was pretty big on the Bearcats. He told me offensive coordinator Gino Guidugli made a few visits to his school during the open contact period and they developed a good rapport. But in Lightfoot's mind, that's "died down." He told me he hasn't been in nearly as much contact with UC and it sounds like he feels like the Bearcats are no longer interested. That could be the case, but we'll see if they reach out tonight. So often, it's not what a program thinks, it's what the perception of recruits, their coaches, etc. are. I wouldn't write this one off right now. But again, we'll see who the staff reaches out to tonight.

Right now, I think Michigan State is the slight leader. Lightfoot was at the Spartans' barbecue on July 30 and Michigan's the next day. He didn't say a ton on either, but the way he talked about Michigan State, I think that's the leader.

As with the rest of the 2024 class, it's a wait and see for tonight and tomorrow. Some kids won't answer the phone at midnight, but will call tomorrow. Still, if a coach reaches out, that's the sign that the interest is legit and those offers are legit.

Full story on Lightfoot coming.

Courtesy of HawgBeat, our Arkansas affiliate:

Quincy Burroughs' little brother:
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Fickell still being mum on who will start at QB:

Via our Sam Kwiatkowski. I'll let him add more here in a bit:
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B-Dubs found its next Sauce:
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Just a reminder, as you're watching Arkansas' presser, UC's is at noon ET tomorrow. We'll post the video from those as well.

Full video and story from Arkansas' presser from HawgBeat:

Courtesy of our Arkansas Rivals affiliate, HawgBeat.com:

Following up my previous INsider, full story on four-star TE Dylan Mesman. As I noted earlier and in this story, his dad played at Michigan State. But if UC can get him down for a game, I think the Bearcats' odds are much higher. Not a done deal, contrary to other reports:

The Cincinnati area is known for continuously sending 5 star players to the next level.

The latest could be 2025 LB Maddox Arnold. He has already gained interest from Cincinnati, Northwestern, Purdue, Ohio State, and Alabama.

Arnold is the nephew of former NFL legend Shaun Alexander. A 6-foot 1, 200-pound linebacker, Arnold holds multiple programs in high regard.

Cincinnati - "Coach Tressel wants me around (the program) as much as possible. I was at three spring practices." Maddox will most likely get to a game this season

Alabama - "Coach Saban watched me in drills. He pulled me aside to talk. He likes my game and said they will be recruiting him for the next three years. Alabama is my dream school"

Ohio State - "Coach Koy pulled my dad and I aside after camp, about 7 of us. They really liked me and they want me up there for a game. The said they want me there."

It's certainly early for the 2025 linebacker, but Cincinnati might be going toe-to-toe with Alabama, Ohio State, among others for the local prospect.

Still don't have the full schedule yet, since AAC hasn't released its portion, but non-conference is set. Maui Invitational and Crosstown Shootout are the highlights:

Following up my INsider yesterday, full story on three-star WR Tashi Braceful. Will be at UC's home-opener Sept. 10.

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Hey all, I caught up with another target of UC's in the 2024 class and shock, another Detroit area product, four-star TE Dylan Mesman. He has nine offers, but as I've said before, the Bearcats have cemented themselves as a 'tight end U' type of program and will have a shot at just about every big-time tight end they recruit.
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UC offered Mesman in late March. And I'll be honest, I'm shocked he doesn't have more offers. He's 6'5" and 225 pounds and moves pretty darn well. Assistant coach Nate Letton made the offer and is the primary recruiter here and it seems like they've hit it off. "Coach Letton is one of the best tight ends coaches I’ve talked to in a while," Mesman told me. He also said he likes how Cincinnati uses its tight ends, as far as the offense it runs and the formations used. Mesman and Letton talk a few times a week.

THE school to watch here, however, is Michigan State. Mesman is a legacy there as his dad played for the Spartans from 1997-2000. I know another competitor has crystal balled Mesman there, but I don't think it's anywhere near a done deal yet. He did attend Michigan State's barbecue July 30 and Michigan's the next day. But when I asked him where he's visiting next, the first place he said was Cincinnati. He doesn't have a date yet, but said it'll be one of the earlier games in the season.

Michigan has not offered, which is surprising. The other place that has offered that Mesman is interested in visiting is Virginia Tech. Again, no date set, but also likes the Hokies' history with tight ends and how the current staff uses the position.

Mesman alluded to releasing a top 5 or 6 soon and I would guess that would be in the next few weeks. I expect the four schools mentioned to be on that top list. Again, Michigan State should absolutely be seen as the favorite here. I'm just saying it's nowhere near a done deal that he's headed there and especially if UC can get him down soon for a visit, the Bearcats have a great chance to sway him.

Full story coming

Release from UC athletics:


Cincinnati Bearcats’ student-athletes and businesses from across the country now have a new tool that will make developing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) agreements easy and efficient.

The University of Cincinnati Athletics Department and INFLCR announced the launch of Bearcats Exchange on Wednesday. The complimentary NIL marketplace service directly connects student-athletes with commercial enterprises, features customized NIL reporting and a communications portal to pitch and request student-athletes for business inquiries and NIL fulfillments.

Bearcats Exchange is the latest NIL innovation as part of Cincinnati’s IMPACT, NIL development program that includes a partnership with Altius Sports Partners. UC is one of six athletic departments that will participate and place a full-time Altius personnel on campus as part of new GM program to connect athletes with brands and identify brand prospects.

Businesses can register now at GoBearcats.com/Exchange. UC will opt-in all of its student-athletes, who may opt out if they choose not to participate.

At the same time, UC is also opening the way to co-brand with its student-athletes, which means the school's logos can begin appearing in NIL arrangements. Businesses wishing to participate in those agreements must be approved in advance by the athletics department's branding and licensing office. That office can be reached at GoBearcats.com/licensing.

“Bearcats Exchange will streamline the brand partnership processes for our student-athletes and businesses that want to be involved with UC Athletics,” Cincinnati AD John Cunningham said. “Businesses and UC student-athletes now have an industry-leading marketplace that will allow them to have conversations and negotiate deals. INFLCR is an industry leader in content, data management and NIL solutions, and we are excited to partner with them. Cincinnati Athletics has been proactive in the NIL space for more than a year and we will continue to position our student-athletes to take advantage and find success for what’s next in college athletics.”

After a business, group or individual registers on Bearcats Exchange, they can access a searchable database of UC student-athletes, and filter through a variety of criteria. They can message the student-athlete directly in the application or request the student-athlete's contact information (or that of their representative) to start a discussion about an NIL transaction. INFLCR and UC will not be a party to the negotiations.

Once an NIL deal is completed, the compliance disclosure, which can be customized based on university regulations or state legislation, will include a payment processing tool for the business to securely pay the student-athlete. All disclosure and payment data automatically reports to the institution's existing INFLCR account, and any payments processed using this tool will be reported on a consolidated 1099 that lives in the student-athlete's INFLCR app for efficient tax reporting.

INFLCR President Jim Cavale, a leading voice in NIL, lauded UC's move.

“INFLCR’s Local Exchance provides additional value in NIL with many of our existing and new customers, with Cincinnati now included," said Cavale. "Our partners are so far ahead of the curve; I'm just humbled by the trust that they've placed in us and our platform."

During the 2021-22 school year, more than 100 Cincinnati student-athletes profited form NIL deals and athletes from all 18 Bearcats’ sports were represented. Among the deals signed by student-athletes, included agreements with Range Rover, Beats by Dre, Dr. Pepper and Skyline, which signed the entire football offensive line to a promotional agreement, that included a weekly commercial series.

Cincinnati’s partnership with INFLCR to create Bearcats Exchange will create more opportunities for student-athletes to find success off the field and profit off their NIL.

Full release from UC athletics we received by email:


After listening to fans and stakeholders, the University of Cincinnati Athletics Department will not enact a re-seat for men’s basketball season ticket holders at Fifth Third Arena for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.

Cincinnati will still re-price tickets for men’s basketball to remain competitive with Big 12 peer institutions beginning with the 2023-24 season.

In October of 2021, UC released the Fan Transparency Plan, and indicated that the department would re-seat and re-price Fifth Third Arena as it relates to the 2023-2024 Men’s Basketball season. The intent was to be ‘Day One Ready’ for the move to the Big 12, and also to give fans a two-year preview of what to prepare for.

“The Fan Transparency Plan allowed us to listen and have great conversations with those most connected to our programs,” Director of Athletics John Cunningham said. “We valued all of our fans’ loyalty and passion for Cincinnati Athletics, especially as it related to the endeavor to re-seat the arena.

“Through these conversations with season ticket holders, donors and our fan council, along with input from our executive staff and department, we decided to adjust our approach for the 2023-24 basketball season in terms of no longer enacting a re-seat. We will still re-price our tickets to make sure we are on par with other Big 12 institutions as we look to be ‘Day One Ready’ when we start in the league.”

The price increase will go into effect for the 2023-24 season. While projected analysis is ongoing, fans should expect a 5% to 20% increase that season. The price increases will go toward investments in the UC staff, student-athletes and other immediate needs.

After the 2024-25 season, UC will evaluate the potential to re-seat Fifth Third Arena for future seasons.

Additional Fan Transparency Plan Updates

• Earlier this summer, UC entered into a partnership with Affinaquest, allowing it to ensure accuracy of donor priority points and create a ‘one fan profile’. Affinaquest is building UC’s first data warehouse in Athletics, allowing the department to have more accurate data and better understanding of Bearcats fan’s needs. A fully executed platform is expected in January of 2023 and is led by Associate Athletic Director Bria McLaurin.
• Cincinnati Athletics is creating a new donor landing page, along with donor transparency pages to show in real-time where UC donors rank as well as accurate giving history. This will help visualize the priority point system -- which was updated in November of 2021 – to ensure fans have access to their complete giving profile. This project is led by Assistant AD of Annual Giving and Premium Seating Tony Theobald.
• The new partnership with RevelXP will place Allison Aries, a hospitality manager, on-campus for oversight of all premium areas. Allison will help elevate the experience in the Champion’s Club, courtside seating and suites.

“I greatly appreciate everyone’s support and feedback over the last 10 months,” Cunningham said. “Our staff is here to continue to be stewards of the department for our fans. We highly encourage our fans to continue to reach out and share their thoughts on how we get better together. With your continued support and investment in our student-athletes we can ensure that the Cincinnati Athletics is ready to compete for championships on day one in the Big 12.”

Full story below with the full list:

The headliner here, as far as UC is concerned, is five-star guard Isaiah Collier, who has the Bearcats in his top four. He's at No. 4, with a decision imminent.

Also, commit Rayvon Griffith is back up a bit, to No. 72 nationally, after falling to 83 in the last rankings update

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Hey all, my apologies for not getting more of these up sooner. Just a busy time of year. But I did catch up with one of UC's top 2024 targets, three-star wide receiver Tashi Braceful. He's up to 16 offers, most recently from Marshall and UMASS.
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Braceful has been on the Berarcats' radar for a while. He's another Detroit area kid, which we all know UC continues to hit that area hard. The offer from the Bearcats came in late March, during a bus tour his high school football coaches organized. That visit included Louisville, Penn State and Michigan.

With UC, Braceful said he likes how "They know how to win." He likes the success of the program itself, but also of getting so many players of late into the NFL. Braceful isn't overly talkative, but said he does plan to be at the Bearcats' home-opener Sept. 10 against Kennesaw State. He also really likes assistant coach Mike Brown, his primary recruiter and Max Stienecker in the recruiting office. Braceful called them both "super cool."

Braceful has no other visits planned. He did see Michigan in late July for its barbecue and also camped at Boston College and Penn State. Of those three, only BC has offered and I'd assume he'll visit there this fall, along with both Michigan and Michigan State among others.

Very good sign that the first and only game visit on Braceful's calendar right now is for UC's home-opener. Early, but I know the Bearcats have identified him as a solid target for 2024.

Full story coming.