New Cincinnati Bearcats QB JC French Draws Quarterback Comparison

The veteran Georgia Southern transfer is aiming to emulate the playing style of a former Heisman Trophy winner.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 4:15am

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JC French IV, the new starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bearcats, has drawn a comparison between his playing style and that of 2017 Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield. French, a transfer from Georgia Southern, told UC play-by-play voice Dan Hoard that he strives to play with the same passion and ability to both pass and run as Mayfield. The 6-1, 200-pound French is expected to take over the reins of the Bearcats' offense this fall after the departure of Brendan Sorsby, who had a standout 2025 season.

Why it matters

Cincinnati is looking to bounce back from a late-season collapse in 2025 that saw them lose their final five games after a 7-1 start. The Bearcats are hoping French can provide a steadying presence at quarterback and help the offense reach new heights, especially if the defense can improve under new coordinator Nate Woody.

The details

French told Hoard that he had other transfer options but chose Cincinnati because the coaches "believed in me" and he felt he could "thrive" in Scott Satterfield's offense, which has produced a lot of production at the quarterback position. French compared his playing style to Mayfield's, saying he can run if needed but is more of a traditional pocket passer than the more mobile Sorsby.

  • French made his first public comments as the Cincinnati Bearcats' quarterback this week on the "Let's Reign Podcast" with UC play-by-play voice Dan Hoard.

The players

JC French IV

A veteran transfer quarterback from Georgia Southern who is expected to be the starting QB for the Cincinnati Bearcats this fall.

Brendan Sorsby

The Bearcats' starting quarterback in 2025 who posted arguably the best statistical season ever by a UC quarterback.

Scott Satterfield

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats, whose offense has produced a lot of production at the quarterback position.

Nate Woody

The new defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bearcats, tasked with improving a unit that ranked 108th in stop rate last season.

Baker Mayfield

The 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, whom French is aiming to emulate in terms of playing style and passion for the game.

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What they’re saying

“I was definitely interested in other places. I had other visits lined up, but Cincinnati was my first visit, and you know, I fell in love with the place. The coaches just believed in me, and I felt like I could thrive here. Obviously, coach (Scott) Satterfield's offense, there's been a lot of production there, so I'm really excited for it.”

— JC French IV, Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback

“I would say, Baker Mayfield. I've always liked the way he plays and the passion he has for the game. So, so I'd like to say, I strive for that.”

— JC French IV, Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback

What’s next

The Bearcats will be looking for French to provide a steadying presence at quarterback and help the offense reach new heights, especially if the defense can improve under new coordinator Nate Woody.

The takeaway

French's comparison of his playing style to that of Baker Mayfield suggests the Bearcats are hoping he can provide the same kind of dual-threat ability and passion for the game that made Mayfield a Heisman Trophy winner. If French can live up to that lofty standard, it could be a game-changing addition for Cincinnati as they look to bounce back from their late-season collapse in 2025.