Cincinnati Bearcats to Play in ESPN 'Feast Week' Tournament

New coach Jerrod Calhoun says team will compete in holiday event in Orlando around Thanksgiving.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:05am

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The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team will participate in the ESPN Invitational 'Feast Week' tournament in Orlando around the Thanksgiving holiday this year, according to new head coach Jerrod Calhoun. The team will play two games in the event, which features several 'Power Four' programs.

Why it matters

The Bearcats' inclusion in the high-profile ESPN event provides an early national stage for the program under new leadership, as coach Calhoun looks to build momentum and exposure for the team ahead of the upcoming season.

The details

Coach Calhoun revealed the Bearcats' Thanksgiving week plans during an interview on the 'Mo Egger Show' on ESPN 1530. He noted the team will play six non-conference games, all against 'really good' opponents, as part of the Orlando tournament. The specific matchups have not yet been announced, but Calhoun said the Bearcats will face 'Power Four' programs.

  • The Bearcats will play in the ESPN Invitational 'Feast Week' tournament in Orlando around the Thanksgiving holiday.
  • The UC football team has a game scheduled for Saturday, November 28 against BYU in Provo, Utah.

The players

Jerrod Calhoun

The new head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We've got six (non-conference) games. All really, really good games. We'll be in Orlando for Thanksgiving. Those teams will be announced, but they're all Power Fours. It's going to be a phenomenal tournament. We (Utah State) played in it two years ago, so I'm very familiar with those guys. They do a great job.”

— Jerrod Calhoun, Head Coach, Cincinnati Bearcats

What’s next

The specific matchups for the Bearcats in the ESPN Invitational 'Feast Week' tournament in Orlando will be announced at a later date.

The takeaway

Coach Calhoun's early scheduling of high-profile non-conference games, including the ESPN Invitational tournament, signals his intent to quickly elevate the Cincinnati Bearcats program and expose it to a national audience as he begins his tenure.