Cincinnati Makes Final Eight for Four-Star 2027 QB

Bearcats recruiting heats up as they battle for top quarterback prospect Dane Weber

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The University of Cincinnati is one of the final eight schools in contention for four-star 2027 quarterback Dane Weber out of Chaparral High School in Georgia. Weber is ranked as the 365th-best player nationally and the 25th-best quarterback in the 2027 class. Cincinnati has also offered several other top 2027 prospects, including wide receiver Branden Sharpe, edge rusher JT Austin, and tight end Parker Keenan.

Why it matters

Landing a top quarterback recruit like Dane Weber would be a major coup for Cincinnati's football program as it transitions to the Big 12 conference. Securing elite talent at the quarterback position is crucial for the Bearcats to remain competitive against the powerhouse programs they will face in their new league.

The details

Weber currently holds 25 offers from schools across the country, including Oregon, Kansas, Michigan, and UCLA. Cincinnati offered him last June when he was just 6-2, 210 pounds, and he has since added several more high-profile offers. The Bearcats' new co-offensive coordinator Pete Thomas, who was Weber's main recruiter, was recently promoted, which could help Cincinnati's chances of landing the talented QB.

  • Cincinnati offered Dane Weber a scholarship in June 2025.
  • Weber is now down to a final eight schools as of February 2026.

The players

Dane Weber

A four-star 2027 quarterback prospect from Chaparral High School in Georgia, ranked as the 365th-best player nationally and the 25th-best QB in his class.

Scott Satterfield

The head coach of the University of Cincinnati football team.

Pete Thomas

The co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the University of Cincinnati football team.

Branden Sharpe

A three-star 2027 wide receiver prospect from Brownsburg High School in Indiana, ranked as the 604th-best player nationally and the 77th-best WR in his class.

JT Austin

An unranked 2027 edge rusher prospect from Sandy Creek High School in Georgia.

Parker Keenan

An unranked 2027 tight end prospect from Kirkwood High School in Tennessee.

Ryinn Fox

An unranked 2027 safety prospect from Central Gwinnett High School in Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“As two former quarterbacks, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Pete day in and day out for a long time now. His player development skills and field vision have not gone unnoticed. I'm excited to watch him and Coach Cardwell build off each other.”

— Scott Satterfield, Head Coach, University of Cincinnati (Press Release)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Cincinnati's pursuit of top 2027 recruits like Dane Weber, Branden Sharpe, and others highlights the program's ambition to build a championship-caliber roster as it transitions to the Big 12 conference. Securing elite talent at key positions will be crucial for the Bearcats to compete with the powerhouse programs they will face in their new league.