Cincinnati Bearcats upset No. 8 Texas Tech

The Cincinnati Bearcats secured a major upset on October 24, defeating No. 8 Texas Tech 37-24 at Nippert Stadium. The victory, which coincided with Cincinnati’s 100th Homecoming celebration, marks the Bearcats’ first win over a top-10 opponent at home since 2006.

Cincinnati quarterback JC French IV threw for four touchdown passes, while Cole Tabb recorded a career-high 173 rushing yards and a touchdown. After trailing 6-3 early, the Bearcats established a 24-6 halftime lead. Although Texas Tech safety Peyton Morgan narrowed the gap with a 53-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter, Cincinnati responded with a touchdown drive and a 58-yard scoring run by Tabb to secure the win.

Texas Tech, which entered the game with a 6-0 record, struggled with turnovers and penalties. Quarterback Will Hammond threw for 227 yards but was hampered by a fumble and an intentional grounding penalty. This loss represents the Red Raiders’ first regular-season defeat since 2015 and affects their position in the Big 12 championship race.

The game was played amid off-field controversy regarding former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was ruled ineligible following an NCAA investigation into gambling. This eligibility dispute had previously caused legal tension between the Big 12 conference and Texas Tech.