The tour of dangerous Big 12 quarterbacks continues for the Cincinnati Bearcats as they visit No. 17 Houston on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 7, at TDECU Stadium.
The Bearcats have faced the scrambling abilities of Kansas State‘s Avery Johnson, the passing threat of Arizona’s Noah Fifita, the unpredictability of West Virginia’s Michael Hawkins Jr., Texas Tech’s Will Hammond and Utah’s dual-threat Devon Dampier. The Big 12 wins came against Kansas State with Johnson and Texas Tech with Hammond, while the escapability of Fifita, Hawkins and Dampier led to three Big 12 losses.
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) prepares to throw the ball in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Next up is Houston’s Conner Weigman, who was at Texas A&M two seasons ago. The 6-foot-3 native Texan is No. 14 in the nation in passing efficiency, ahead of Hawkins and Dampier, who gave UC fits. He is No. 8 in passing touchdowns with 20, more than Fifita and Dampier and seven more than UC’s JC French IV. He’s No. 20 in passing yards with 2,053, more than Dampier, who lit the Bearcats up for three passing touchdowns.
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“Weigman does everything really, really good,” UC Bearcats coach Scott Satterfield said. “He can make all the throws, he’s sneaky fast, he can make safeties miss when he runs the football. They run the offense through him. He’s the catalyst for their offense. They don’t ever get themselves out of position.”
Houston leads the nation in third-down efficiency at 60%, compared to UC at No. 33 at 44.6%.
Why Cincinnati Bearcats have an advantage: It’s another weekend in 2026 college football where one week you’re the hammer, the next you’re the nail. Coaches can go from the hot seat to the short list of another job based on a win, or vice versa based on a loss.
“There’s a lot of parity in college football,” Satterfield said. “Most of these teams have a new roster. What’s the chemistry like? And there’s a lot of up and downs throughout the season. Who’s injured? Who’s playing? Who’s not playing? Where are you playing? Everybody’s playing nine conference games now. It makes it exciting for the fans. This parity is what everybody wants. This year, in all these games, everybody’s got a chance to win.”
Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) runs for a touchdown in the third quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Should the Bearcats get center Taran Tyo and nose tackle Josh Hough back from injury, it would be a shot in the arm. Cole Tabb has run effectively, with three straight 100-plus-yard games; if Gi’Bran Payne can add to that and get UC over the 200-yard mark, it may help slow the Houston offense. Utah has been the only team to surpass 200 yards rushing on the Cougars, gaining 226 on Oct. 24. Outside of that, Texas Tech had 168 on the ground and those are Houston’s only two losses.
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Why Houston has an advantage: After losing at Utah 21-13 on Oct. 24, the Cougars had a bye week to heal up and scout the Bearcats. Plus, they’re home. TDECU Stadium is not as intimidating a venue as others, but everyone loves a winner and Willie Fritz’s men have only lost to Texas Tech and Utah, both ranked teams.
Like Cincinnati, Houston has NFL and MLB teams competing with it for fans. They also have the NBA. Arizona State and Colorado are in similar predicaments. Most of the Big 12 schools are primarily in college towns.
Houston averages 39,199 fans this season, about 7,000 more than last season and about 12,000 more than 2024. In UC’s last visit in 2023, the Bearcats prevailed in front of 34,312.
“Every year’s different; we’ve got a completely different team,” Satterfield said. “Not looking at exterior things and focusing on Houston is what we have to do. Then, you have to go out and play. Last year we played really good teams in November.”
Based on this week’s rankings, UC still has two ranked teams to play: at No. 17 Houston and at No. 7 BYU on Nov. 28. Iowa State won’t be a picnic on the road Nov. 14, and there’s a home date Nov. 21 vs. Colorado.
Oct 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Houston Cougars injury report
The Bearcats played without nose tackle Josh Hough and center Taran Tyo vs. Utah. Early indications are that both should be available for the Houston game.
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Houston quarterback Conner Weigman left Rice-Eccles Stadium in Utah in a walking boot after their Oct. 24 loss. The Cougars were idle and based on Willie Fritz’s press remarks Nov. 3, he’s back up to speed.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. No. 17 Houston odds, moneyline
Another road game at Iowa State follows UC, Houston
The Big 12 announced Nov. 2 that the UC game at Ames vs. Iowa State is in a six-day window for TV. Kickoff should be known by Sunday, Nov. 8.
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Photos: Utah Utes at Cincinnati Bearcats, 10/31
Utah Utes safety Rabbit Evans (1), Utah Utes linebacker Trey Reynolds (10) and Utah Utes linebacker Cyrus Polu (0) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats running back Gi’Bran Payne (6) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes safety Rabbit Evans (1), Utah Utes linebacker Trey Reynolds (10) and Utah Utes linebacker Cyrus Polu (0) tackles Cincinnati Bearcats running back Gi’Bran Payne (6) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats Cheerleaders sing the alma mater before the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Darrius Simmons (90) runs onto the field before the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) throws a pass in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes safety Nate Ritchie (6) reacts in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) throws a pass in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Malachi Henry (9) runs the ball in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Malachi Henry (9) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) prepares to throw the ball in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Jonathan Rulo (99) tackles Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Jacob Finley (0) tackles Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats outside linebacker Antwan Peek Jr. (3) tackles Utah Utes running back Daniel Bray (5) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) runs the ball in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats safety Jasper Beeler (18) tackles Utah Utes tight end Hunter Andrews (10) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes running back Daniel Bray (5) scores a touchdown in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes running back Daniel Bray (5) scores a touchdown in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver JV Gibson (11) catches a pass as Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Davis (9) defends in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver JV Gibson (11) catches a pass as Utah Utes defensive end Kash Dillon (93) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats band performs before the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) thros a pass as Cincinnati Bearcats inside linebacker Simeon Coleman (31) defends in the first quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) thros a pass as Cincinnati Bearcats inside linebacker Simeon Coleman (31) defends in the first quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Kenny Worthy (8) and Cincinnati Bearcats safety Jasper Beeler (18) tackles Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) in the first quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Jacob Finley (0) tackles Utah Utes wide receiver Larry Simmons (12) in the first quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes running back Daniel Bray (5) runs the ball in the first quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes running back Daniel Bray (5) runs the ball in the first quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats fans cheer in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats fans cheer in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Isaiah Johnson (0) catches pass in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) dives over Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Davis (9) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley looks on in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) throws pass in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Jacob Finley (0) tackles Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) runs the ball as Cincinnati Bearcats inside linebacker Jonathan Thompson (22) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats edge rusher Patrick Bauer (10) forces Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) out of bounds in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes tight end Hunter Andrews (10) catches a pass in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats mascot rides the motor bike before the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield runs onto the field before the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats outside linebacker Antwan Peek Jr. (3) tackles Utah Utes tight end Hunter Andrews (10) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats running back Cole Tabb (3) tackles Utah Utes tight end Hunter Andrews (10) in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback JC French IV (4) throws a pass in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Liam O’Brien (10) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes tight end Hunter Andrews (10) reacts with Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Joe Cotton (74) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) scores a touchdown in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
(Albert Cesare/The Enquirer)
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Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) scores a touchdown in the second quarter of the Big 12 game between Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
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