Cincinnati Bearcats 2025 Spring Football Key Points
UC is aiming to improve on a 5-7 record from the 2024 season.
CINCINNATI — The 2025 Spring Football season has arrived for UC fans!
The Bearcats are blending returning talent with fresh faces from their incoming freshman and transfer classes, with many players beginning to carve out roles for the fall. Alongside new coaching staff additions under Scott Satterfield, Brad Glenn, and Tyson Veidt, there are plenty of intriguing storylines to watch during the next 15 practices leading up to mid-April.
Here are the top three talking points to follow:
New Look for Special Teams
Cincinnati will field an entirely revamped return, punting, and kicking unit this fall, a first in years. The departure of long-time special teams coordinator Kerry Coombs marks the most significant change for this unit during the offseason.
Special teams were a major weak point last season and contributed heavily to the Bearcats’ five-game losing streak. UC ranked 80th in net field position, with a notable decline in November.
Punter Mason Fletcher’s performance slipped late in the season, posting a career-low 42.6-yard average in 2024. The team also struggled with no punt returns over 20 yards or kick returns over 30 yards. Now, Fletcher’s brother, Max, who redshirted in 2024 after an impressive 2023 season (7th nationally with a 46.95-yard punting average), is expected to take over.
New kicker Stephen Rusnak, who went perfect on field goals in 2024 (11-11, including 3-3 from 50+ yards) and was flawless on extra points (25-25), should solidify the kicking spot after a series of underwhelming performances in recent years. UC ranked 83rd in field goal percentage in 2024 (72.7%), so Rusnak should help avoid more struggles in that area.
The return roles are still up for grabs, but Coach Satterfield has emphasized putting the best athletes on the field, regardless of their other positions.
“We have to put the best guys on the field,” Satterfield said. “Special teams will be a priority this spring. We need to improve there.”
Cincinnati ranked 61st in kickoff return average and 113th in punt return average last season, so there’s ample room for improvement, with Tim Connor leading the charge.
Who Will Lead the Backfield?
With running back Corey Kiner leaving after 204 carries, the Bearcats have plenty of opportunities for their trio of senior running backs: Wisconsin transfer Tawee Walker, redshirt freshman Chance Williams, and Evan Pryor.
Walker is expected to take over as the primary back, but there’s intrigue around Pryor, who earned a career-high 203 snaps and a 75.8 PFF grade last season. With 7.5 yards per carry and 12.1 yards per catch on 71 total touches, he could see more action in 2025, but his smaller frame might limit his workload.
Williams, who averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 15 attempts last season, will also factor into the rotation. The hope is to avoid overworking quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who took a beating in 2024. Walker will be the lead back unless an underclassman emerges as a surprise contender.
Offensive Line Competition
Gavin Gerhardt is locked in as the starting center, but beyond that, the offensive line spots are up for grabs. Ball State transfer Taran Tyo is the favorite to replace Luke Kandra at right guard. Tyo brings experience, having played tackle and guard in the MAC, and he posted a strong 78.1 PFF grade in 2024.
At left guard, there’s a competition between Evan Tengesdahl, who saw 127 snaps in 2024, and Jake Wheelock, who has yet to play at UC.
Tackle positions are more uncertain. Deondre Buford, who has struggled with a PFF grade above 55 in the last two seasons, brings significant experience with 1,483 snaps. He’ll compete with FCS transfer Nolan Latulippe, Ethan Green, and Xavier Lozowicki, another FCS transfer.
While the interior positions are relatively clear, the tackle spots will remain highly competitive as the spring progresses.
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