Cincinnati Football: Luke Fickell reflects on Josh Whyle’s record-setting career

Josh Whyle became the first tight end in Bearcats history with 15 touchdowns, eclipsing Brent Celek’s record a week ago. With his career coming to a close, Whyle can reach the 1,000-yard mark against Navy.

In the loss at UCF, Whyle caught a 14-yard score to surpass Celek and secure his 15th career touchdown reception. Even though the Bearcats came up short, it was a moment to celebrate how much Whyle has been able to accomplish since committing in 2017.

The senior tight end could collect another milestone with an impressive performance this week at Nippert Stadium. In the win at Navy last year, Whyle had a game-high 60 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Cincinnati Football: Luke Fickell reflects on Josh Whyle’s record-setting career

Since breaking out in 2021, Whyle solidified himself as one of the best tight ends in school history with 957 receiving yards, 78 catches and 15 touchdowns in 33 appearances. The Cincinnati native earned All-AAC Second Team honors in 2020 and 2021.

Whyle became an integral part of the offense during his sophomore season, finishing with 353 yards and six touchdowns to help secure an AAC championship. In a recent press conference, Luke Fickell reflected on Whyle’s illustrious career via Cincinnati Athletics.

"“What he’s meant is the start of it. All the way back then, we were trying to sell dreams and he was a guy that believed in us and stayed home. We couldn’t show him what we wanted to do because we hadn’t really done anything yet. Then to see his progression. He struggled as a young kid and didn’t play a whole lot. I’m sure he had aspirations of walking in the door and breaking that record in two years. He has the ability to grow and has done a phenomenal job. He’s a big part of what we do. It’s also a great example to see how things don’t always go how you expect and want them to. Look at his first two years, between injuries and not as many opportunities, that made him who he is.”"