B-Dubs found its next Sauce:
Login to view embedded media

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.

Please do not copy/paste or summarize any portion of this post to other Web sites or message boards, as it is a direct violation of copyright laws and could result in the termination of your Rivals.com subscription per our terms of service. Thank you.

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.
Login to view embedded media
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

Please do not copy/paste or summarize any portion of this post to other Web sites or message boards, as it is a direct violation of copyright laws and could result in the termination of your Rivals.com subscription per our terms of service. Thank you.

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.
Login to view embedded media
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.

"Former Cincinnati men's basketball center Abdul Ado is staying on campus as a graduate assistant for the program.

"Abdul brought so many intangibles to our locker room as a player: toughness, leadership and work ethic," head coach Wes Miller said. "He made a huge impact in layout the foundation culturally for our program in just one season. I am eager and excited to see him continue to make an impact in his new role on our staff, and he has a very bright future in coaching."

Ado played his first four years at Mississippi State, setting school career records for starts (130) and shooting percentage (59.4), before playing under Miller in his first season at the helm. The Lagos, Nigeria, native started 32 games for the Bearcats last season despite playing through injury for much of it. He also had season-highs of 14 points and 11 rebounds in a one-point road win at Miami (Ohio). Ado (297) and fellow graduate Hayden Koval (363) each ranked in the top-five nationally for blocked shots among active players.

Ado joins returning GA Jaylen Stowe on the bench. Jordan McKenzie and former Bearcats star Kyle Washington each took full-time positions at Stony Brook and Loyola Chicago, respectively.

I've highlighted Trevor Carter, who is on the list:

The Butkus Award® honoring the nation’s best linebackers continued its annual selection process today by announcing its high school preseason watch list.

The watch list features 51 linebackers, mirroring the legendary “51” pro jersey associated with the award’s namesake, Dick Butkus, who was recognized by NFL Films as the best defensive player in football history.

The high school Butkus Award watch list includes candidates from 21 states, including 11 players from Florida, eight from Georgia, four from Texas, and three from Mississippi and Pennsylvania.

The award semifinalists are expected to be named Oct. 31 with finalists to follow Nov. 21. The winner will be named on or before Dec. 7. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award.

“High school football is the very heart of the sport and I enjoy recognizing and watching these players develop as athletes and young men,” said Butkus, the College and Pro Football Hall of Famer. “When an outstanding player receives the Butkus Award he will know two things: First, he is recognized as the best of the best linebackers in America; Second, and in the long run most important, he will understand this recognition brings a responsibility of giving back.”

All 2022 Butkus Award winners will be honored at a televised event on Jan. 21, 2023, at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif. CBS Sports Network aired the event last season, featuring Butkus and numerous noted NFL Alumni. To watch the show online via YouTube, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRxu2gDu9pI.

Founded in 1985, the Butkus Award honors linebackers at three levels while supporting causes important to the Butkus family. Causes include Butkus Takes Heart™ initiative encouraging early cardiovascular screening among adults, and the I Play Clean® initiative encouraging athletes to train naturally without performance-enhancing drugs. A 51-member expert panel of coaches, scouts and journalists guides the selection process. The Butkus Foundation has presented the high school and professional awards since 2008. The collegiate award is now in its 38th season.

Shawn Murphy from Unity Reed High School in Manassas, Va., was the winner of the award last season. Murphy is now enrolled at Alabama. The other five finalists from a season ago were Joshua Burnham, Traverse City Central, Traverse City, Mich. (Notre Dame); C.J. Hicks, Archbishop Alter, Dayton, Ohio (Ohio State); Harold Perkins, Cypress Park, Cypress, Texas (LSU); Jaylen Sneed, Hilton Head, Hilton Head, S.C. (Notre Dame); and Jalon Walker, Salisbury, Salisbury, N.C. (Georgia).

Nakobe Dean, the 2021 winner of the collegiate Butkus Award while playing for National Champion Georgia, was just the third player to win both the collegiate and high school Butkus Awards. The Horn Lake, Miss., product, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, joined Jaylon Smith (Bishop Luers, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Notre Dame) and Manti Te’o (Punahou School, Honolulu, Hawaii, and Notre Dame) in that distinction.

The complete 51-man Butkus Award preseason high school watch list follows:

Leonard Ah You (Kahuka, Hawaii [Kahuka])
Tausili Akana (Lehi, Utah [Skyridge])
C.J. Allen (Barnesville, Ga. [Lamar County])
Jamal Anderson (Hoschton, Ga. [Mill Creek])
Jaiden Ausberry (Baton Rouge, La. [University Laboratory])
Drayk Bowen (Merriville, Ind. [Andrean])
Troy Bowles (Tampa, Fla. [Jesuit])
Christian Brathwaite (Cypress, Texas [Cypress Ranch])
Semaj Bridgeman (Warminster, Pa. [Archbishop Wood])
Jayvant Brown (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. [St. Thomas Aquinas])
Malik Bryant (Orlando, Fla. [Jones])
Lewis Carter (Tampa, Fla. [Tampa Catholic])
Trevor Carter (Ironton, Ohio [Ironton])
Stanquan Clark (Miami, Fla. [Miami Central])
Dee Crayton (Alpharetta, Ga. [Denmark])
Justin Cryer (Brookshire, Texas [Royal])
Tackett Curtis (Many, La. [Many])
Tre Edwards (Chula Vista, Calif. [Mater Dei Catholic])
Palaie Faoa (Las Vegas, Nev. [Bishop Gorman])
Troy Ford (Savannah, Ga. [Calvary Day])
Grant Godfrey (Suwanee, Ga. [North Gwinnett])
Derion Gullette (Teague, Texas [Teague])
Jordan Hall (Bradenton, Fla. [IMG Academy])
Jaybron Harvey (Durham, N.C. [Southern Durham])
Caleb Herring (Murfreesboro, Tenn. [Riverdale])
Anthony Hill (Denton, Texas [Ryan])
Tabias Hinton (Hattiesburg, Miss. [Hattiesburg])
Grayson Howard (Jacksonville, Fla. [Andrew Jackson])
Ty Jones (Bay Springs, Miss. [Bay Springs])
Matt Kingsbury (Chicago, Ill. [St. Rita])
Ben Kueter (Iowa City, Iowa [Iowa City])
Liona Lefau (Kahuka, Hawaii [Kahuka])
David Loch (Elmhurst, Ill. [York])
Corey Lucius (Tampa, Fla. [Tampa Catholic])
Wyatt Milkovic (Chandler, Ariz. [Basha])
Zyian Moultrie-Gooddard (New Rochelle, N.Y. [Iona Prep])
Karmelo Overton (Ozark, Ala. [Carroll])
Suntarine Perkins (Raleigh, Miss. [Raleigh])
Phil Picciotti (Bradenton, Fla. [IMG Academy])
Jalen Rambert (Greenville, S.C. [Powdersville])
Arvell Reese (Cleveland, Ohio [Glenville])
Ta’Mere Robinson (Pittsburgh, Pa. [Brashear])
Jaden Robinson (Lake City, Fla. [Columbia])
Jalen Smith (Loganville, Ga. [Grayson])
Leviticus Su’a (Santa Ana, Calif. [Mater Dei Catholic])
Jeremiah Telander (Gainesville, Ga. [Gainesville])
Josiah Trotter (Philadelphia, Pa. [St. Joseph’s Prep])
Rico Walker (Hickory, N.C. [Hickory])
Whit Weeks (Watkinsville, Ga. [Oconee County])
Raylen Wilson (Tallahassee, Fla. [Lincoln])
Preston Zinter (Lawrence, Mass. [Central Catholic])

Hey guys, was waiting until Kenny released his top 12, which he did last night. Below is the full story on Woseley, to follow my previous INsider. UC in a good spot, but Penn State and a few others are as well.

Got this email earlier from the National Football Foundation, which highlights the rules changes to NCAA college football this season:

Targeting Carryover Appeal Process

In games that have instant replay, when a targeting foul occurs in the second half, the carryover penalty (of sitting out the first half of that player's next game) will be eligible for further appeal. The process will begin with a conference submitting a request to the NCAA national coordinator of officials, who would review video of the play. If it is obvious that a player was incorrectly penalized for targeting, the call would be overturned, and the player would be cleared to play in the first half of the next game.

Deceptive Injury Timeout Investigation Process

To address teams that are awarded an injury timeout through deceptive actions, panel members approved a reporting and investigation process. Schools and conferences will be able to report questionable scenarios to the national coordinator of officials, who will review and provide feedback to the conference for further action. Any penalties levied would be up to the conference office or school involved.

The NCAA Football Rules Committee considered several in-game options to address this, including altering the injury timeout rule to remove the injured student-athlete for more than one play. Currently, an injured player is required to sit out one play. This concept was debated at length, but the committee was concerned with the additional issues that could be created and did not want to encourage players to continue to participate when injured.

Committee members discussed how the pace of play appears to be contributing to this concern. "We considered all options to address this issue, including allowing both teams an opportunity to substitute after a first down," said David Shaw, chair of the Football Rules Committee and coach at Stanford. "This is another step to consider in the future."

Blocking Below the Waist​

The panel approved a proposal to improve safety and simplify the rules governing blocking below the waist. The proposal will allow blocking below the waist only by linemen and stationary backs inside the tackle box. Outside the tackle box on scrimmage plays, blocking below the waist will be prohibited. Analysis of available NCAA injury surveillance data indicates a decreasing knee injury trend that coincides with recent rules changes in this area.

Other Rule Changes​

• If a ball carrier simulates a feet-first slide, officials will declare the runner down at that spot.
• Defensive holding will remain a 10-yard penalty but will always carry an automatic first down.
• The replay official will address any clock adjustment and status only when a ruling is overturned with less than two minutes in the 2nd or 4th quarter.
• Illegal Touching by an originally ineligible player is penalized five yards from the previous spot and now includes loss of down.
• Addition of Signal 28 for Illegal Blindside Block

Release from UC:

The University of Cincinnati Athletics Department is excited to welcome fans back to Nippert Stadium for the 2022 football season.

At this time, we would also like to announce new features to the gameday experience, in addition to reminding fans of other matters. While season tickets are sold out for the first time in school history, fans can still purchase single-game tickets for as low as $25 HERE. Fans can also join the waiting list for 2023 season tickets.

SECURITY

• OPEN GATE
  • A simple metal detection screening process for all fans to better secure Nippert Stadium. Also used at Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati can ensure a safer gameday experience for Bearcats Nation.
• Clear Bag Policy
  • The university announced a clear-bag requirement in May for all venues, effective immediately. Fans will be able to bring one clear bag – either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or a clear bag tote no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" – AND a small clutch bag or wallet that is roughly the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5" x 6.5") into on-campus events. More information, as well as a diagram, can be found here.
• CCM Plaza
  • This season fans can expect to see CCM Plaza shutdown to provide a safer area for fans going to gates D and E. Cars will not be allowed starting six hours before kickoff, but foot traffic is still permitted.

TRANSPORTATION

• Parking Services is excited to announce the launch of Parkhub to enhance your game day experience. Now, you can pay using your credit card instead of using cash! This service will allow your parking passes to be scanned upon entry instead of tearing off the stub as in previous years. Fans will also have the option to manage their parking passes on their GoBearcats.com online account, ensuring that their parking passes will always be at the touch of their fingertips. Eden Garage will be the only available parking facility if you do not have a pre-purchased pass for the game.
• Single-game parking is available here. Parking ranges between $20 to $25.

CONCESSIONS UPGRADES

• Frisch's returns with two locations at the Varsity Plaza stand and Stadium View. Most beer portables will also transition to 16-ounce cans for speed of service, and all beer vendors will have credit card capabilities. Walk-through brew concepts will be present in Stadium View and Catskellar, as well as Rooted Grounds coffee in the Jimmy Nippert Lounge that includes a variety of syrup flavors.
• A new souvenir stadium cup is also available for purchase inside.
• Club level 3M guests will have a bucket of popcorn and bottled water at their seats upon arrival.

SHEAKLEY LAWN FAMILY ZONE

• Opens two hours prior to kickoff when gates open
• Five food truck vendors (Chili Hut, Sweet and Meats, Kebobski, Poutine Machine and Cheba Hut) present throughout the game while supplies last.
• The Frisch's Family Fun Zone you know and love will be located on Sheakley Lawn for each game. Inflatables and other kid-friendly activities will be available at the time gates open and through halftime of the game. The super screen will be present for all six games for fans to view throughout the season.

ALO TEXTING

• If you have any issues on gameday, text 513-866-3400 and receive help right at your fingertips.

SEATBACKS

• New and improved seatbacks are available now! Bearcat Seats will handle all order and customer service throughout the season. A representative will be present at all games to handle any issues you encounter. Visit BearcatSeats.com to secure your seatback today!

REVELxp TAILGATING

• REVELxp became the official hospitality partner of Cincinnati Athletics in June and will provide fan-friendly amenities and experiences for fans in Nippert Stadium and Fifth Third Arena. The agreement includes seven new premier field-level suites as well as exclusive pregame hospitality opportunities.
• REVELxp delivers end-to-end management of gameday tailgating logistics and will handle all equipment needs as well as set-up and clean-up of tailgates in prime locations outside Nippert Stadium. Turnkey tailgate amenities include tent, tables, chairs, TVs, catering and other features. More information can be found here.

Hey all, my apologies for the delay. Got busy with a few things yesterday. This came from UC, on its new football locker rooms:

"Cincinnati Athletics officially unveiled its brand new, state-of-the-art game day football locker room on Wednesday.

The locker room, emblazoned throughout with “Cincinnati Bearcats” and the T.E.A. M. (Together Everyone Achieves More) mantra and featuring neon lights, a hype tunnel and a fuel station and nutrition bar, will continue to reside in the Richard E. Lindner Center and is connected to Nippert Stadium.

“Investments like this locker room project will prepare our football student-athletes for next level success by providing them a game day experience that is second to none,” said Cincinnati Director of Athletics John Cunningham. “From the graphics and the lighting to the fuel station and the additional space, this new locker room is truly incredible. It is a reflection of where our program is at, and where we are headed.”

At a cost of $4 million, the project was paid for entirely by philanthropic funds as part of the Day One Ready Campaign and added nearly 2,000 square feet to the space.

Barry Bucher and his family made the lead gift to upgrade and renovate the locker room.

Skanska USA served as the construction manager for the project.

“We appreciate the continued opportunity to work with an outstanding organization such as the University of Cincinnati and are honored to play a role in the superior success of Bearcats Athletics,” said Skanska Executive Vice President & General Manager Chris Hopper.

The upgraded game day locker room gives the Bearcats, fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance, one of the best team areas in the country for competition.

The renovated locker room features:

• An additional 2,000 square feet
• 120 custom lockers with each player’s name and number
• A hype tunnel with custom graphics and illuminated signage
• A new sound system
• A fuel station and nutrition bar
• Enhanced ventilation systems
• Best-in-class technology

The overall initiative also included the renovation of the Bob Goin Football Team Room.

The locker room project is part of the first wave of signature facilities upgrades of the Day One Ready Campaign, an $100 million fundraising initiative focused on achieving Next Level Success from the moment the Bearcats join the Big 12.

Henderson released his top-five to Rivals covering each program, Arkansas, Auburn, Cincinnati, Georgia, and Oklahoma.

Full story. Even lower than the No. 22 by coaches poll.

Since UC is knocking in the door of the national title game, here are the sites over the next few years. Full release below from the College Football Playoff:

"

Login to view embedded media