Cincinnati Bearcats defeat Kansas State 31-26 in Big 12 opener

The Cincinnati Bearcats defeated the Kansas State Wildcats 31-26 in their Big 12 conference opener at Nippert Stadium. Cincinnati moved to a 4-0 record for the season, marking the program’s first 4-0 start since 2021 and the first such start for head coach Scott Satterfield.

Despite trailing 17-10 at halftime, Cincinnati secured the victory through a dominant second-half rushing performance. Running back Cole Tabb scored all three of the Bearcats' third-quarter and fourth-quarter touchdowns, rushing for 124 yards. He was joined in the backfield by Gi’Bran Payne, who recorded 126 rushing yards, helping Cincinnati total 271 rushing yards on the night.

Kansas State, falling to 3-1, led 10-0 and 17-10 early in the game. Quarterback Avery Johnson threw for 292 yards and one touchdown on 30-of-50 passing, while Rodney Fields Jr. contributed a late touchdown run to narrow the gap. However, a fumble by Derrick Salley Jr. in the third quarter and a failed final lateral attempt prevented a Wildcats comeback.