# Cincinnati Bearcats 2026 football season > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cincinnati-bearcats-2026-football-season > Updated: 2026-09-26T14:14:18.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3. The Cincinnati Bearcats defeated the Kansas State Wildcats 31-26 in their Big 12 conference opener at Nippert Stadium. The victory moved Cincinnati to a 4-0 record, 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 win through a dominant second-half rushing performance. Running back Cole Tabb scored all three of the Bearcats' third-quarter and fourth-quarter touchdowns while rushing for 124 yards. He was supported by Gi’Bran Payne, who recorded 126 rushing yards, as Cincinnati finished the game with 271 total rushing yards. Kansas State fell to 3-1 after leading 10-0 and 17-10 early in the contest. Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson threw for 292 yards and one touchdown on 30-of-50 passing, and Rodney Fields Jr. added a late touchdown run. However, a third-quarter fumble by Derrick Salley Jr. and a failed final lateral attempt prevented a Kansas State comeback. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Cincinnati Bearcats defeat Kansas State 31-26 in Big 12 opener Cincinnati defeated Kansas State 31-26 in their Big 12 opener, fueled by Cole Tabb’s three rushing touchdowns to move to 4-0 on the season. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kansas-state-opens-big-12-play-at-cincinnati ### 2026-09-24: Kansas State and Cincinnati face off in Big 12 opener Both 3-0 Kansas State and Cincinnati will face off in their Big 12 Conference opener this Saturday at Nippert Stadium, featuring a high-stakes matchup between elite offensive and defensive units. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kansas-state-and-cincinnati-face-off-in-week-4-college-football-matchup ### 2026-09-01: Cincinnati Bearcats host Boston College Eagles in Week 1 matchup The Cincinnati Bearcats host the Boston College Eagles in a Week 1 college football game on September 5, 2026, at Nippert Stadium. Cincinnati is favored by 7.5 points. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cincinnati-bearcats-host-boston-college-eagles-in-week-1-matchup --- Cite as: Cincinnati Bearcats 2026 football season. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cincinnati-bearcats-2026-football-season