Cincinnati Wraps Up 2026 Spring Football With Final Session

Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield and new QB JC French IV assess the team's progress ahead of the fall season.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the Bearcats' official team colors of red, black, and white, capturing the energy and movement of the sport.The Bearcats' spring practice session showcased the team's ability to adapt to new schemes and build chemistry, setting the stage for a challenging 2026 season.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Bearcats have completed their 2026 spring football practices, with the final session taking place on Saturday. Head coach Scott Satterfield and new transfer quarterback JC French IV discussed the team's progress, including the installation of a new defensive scheme and the development of a largely new receiving corps. Despite facing long odds to win the Big 12 this fall, the Bearcats are focused on building consistency, starting fast, and growing the offense's confidence under French's leadership.

Why it matters

As Cincinnati transitions to the Big 12 conference, the Bearcats are working to integrate new players and schemes during the spring in preparation for a challenging 2026 schedule. The team's progress during these practices will be crucial in determining their competitiveness in their new league.

The details

The final spring practice session was originally planned to be held at Nippert Stadium in front of fans, but was moved indoors due to inclement weather. Satterfield was pleased with the team's overall performance during the 15 practices, noting that the defense won the final drill. The Bearcats got to work with several new quarterbacks, including French, who is expected to lead the offense this fall. French emphasized the need for consistency, starting fast, and building confidence in the offense as the next steps for him and the team.

  • The final spring practice session took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • Cincinnati will host a Fall Camp practice for fans at Nippert Stadium, likely sometime in August 2026.

The players

Scott Satterfield

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats football team, overseeing the team's progress during spring practices.

JC French IV

A new transfer quarterback for the Cincinnati Bearcats, who is expected to lead the offense in the 2026 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I thought we got some great action today out of everybody. We obviously played everybody. See how much we communicate, how we chase the football. This is something we go back and watch the film with. But I thought overall, it was a good day. Defense certainly won the last drill ... So, ultimately, I thought the 15 practices we did accomplished our goal, putting offenses and defenses in with a lot of new players, a new scheme defensively, and I thought we stayed healthy throughout the spring. That's always fingers crossed. Can you go through spring and stay healthy? We were able to accomplish that as well.”

— Scott Satterfield, Head Coach, Cincinnati Bearcats

“Just consistency, you know, not starting slow, starting fast, being a more vocal presence on offense. You know, you got to keep building as a quarterback. You can't take any steps back, just building that confidence in everybody else and growing belief in this offense.”

— JC French IV, Quarterback, Cincinnati Bearcats

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.