Arquon Bush
FILE - Cincinnati running back Ryan Montgomery (22) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Cincinnati. Another competition playing out in camp is to replace 1,300-yard running back Jerome Ford. The returning candidates are senior Ryan Montgomery, who's been a top-notch punt returner for the Bearcats for three years, and senior Charles McClelland, who has had some bad luck with injuries. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, File)
After exodus of stars, No. 23 Cincinnati tries to reload

By Mitch Stacy Aug. 19, 2022 02:52 AM EDT

East Carolina's Ryan Jones (13) runs the ball and is challenged by Cincinnati's Ja'von Hicks (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
No. 4 Cincinnati stays unbeaten, beats East Carolina 35-13

Bob Sutton Nov. 26, 2021 07:31 PM EST

Cincinnati's Curtis Brooks (92) grabs the arm of East Carolina quarterback Holton Ahlers (12) for a sack during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
Cincinnati at East Carolina 11/26/2021

Nov. 26, 2021 05:31 PM EST

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) runs for a touchdown during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against SMU, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
SMU at Cincinnati 11/20/2021

Nov. 20, 2021 05:15 PM EST

Cincinnati wide receiver Tre Tucker runs for a score on a 1-yard touchdown pass quarterback Desmond Ridder against South Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Cincinnati at South Florida 11/12/2021

Nov. 12, 2021 07:25 PM EST

Navy cornerback Jamal Glenn, center left, celebrates with linebacker Nicholas Straw after Glenn intercepted a pass from Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder, not visible, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
No. 2 Cincinnati stays unbeaten with 27-20 win over Navy

By Noah Trister Oct. 23, 2021 03:39 PM EDT

Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder looks to pass against Navy during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cincinnati at Navy 10/23/2021

Oct. 23, 2021 01:37 PM EDT

Cincinnati running back Jerome Ford, left, takes the hand off from quarterback Desmond Ridder during the first half of an NCAA college football game against UCF, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
UCF at Cincinnati 10/16/2021

Oct. 16, 2021 01:53 PM EDT

Indiana's Peyton Hendershot (86) dives over the goal line for a touchdown against Cincinnati's Bryan Cook (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Cincinnati at Indiana 9/18/2021

Sep. 18, 2021 01:53 PM EDT

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart watches play against Cincinnati during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia at Cincinnati 1/1/2021

Jan. 01, 2021 12:21 PM EST

West Virginia running back Leddie Brown (4) is upended by Iowa State defensive back Arnold Azunna, left, as Iowa State defensive back Greg Eisworth (12) works to finish the tackle during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 42-6. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
AP Top 25 Reality Check: IU, I-State reach historic heights

By Ralph D. Russo Dec. 07, 2020 02:12 AM EST

Cincinnati tight end Josh Whyle, left, outruns Central Florida linebacker Eriq Gilyard (10) on his way to a 29-yard touchdown on a pass play during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Cincinnati at UCF 11/21/2020

Nov. 21, 2020 05:33 PM EST

East Carolina linebacker Xavier Smith, left, defends as Cincinnati wide receiver Jordan Jones, middle, jumps over East Carolina defensive back Jireh Wilson during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Ridder, No. 7 Cincinnati roll over East Carolina, 55-17

By Jeff Wallner Nov. 13, 2020 11:20 PM EST

Cincinnati wide receiver Michael Young Jr. holds the ball up as he scores a touchdown during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against East Carolina, Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
East Carolina at Cincinnati 11/13/2020

Nov. 13, 2020 09:27 PM EST

East Carolina quarterback Mason Garcia (10) runs against Navy during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, in Greenville, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
East Carolina next to try to slow down No. 7 Cincinnati

By Jeff Wallner Nov. 12, 2020 11:48 AM EST

Houston quarterback Clayton Tune (3) throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against BYU, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
No. 6 Cincinnati focuses on Houston amid playoff buzz

By Jeff Wallner Nov. 05, 2020 11:45 AM EST

Cincinnati tight end Josh Whyle, left, grabs a pass over Austin Peay defensive back Kam Ruffin during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati beat Austin Peay 55-20. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
No. 13 Cincinnati rolls past Austin Peay 55-20 in opener

By Jeff Wallner Sep. 19, 2020 03:35 PM EDT