Cincinnati Football: Joe Huber, Blue Smith amidst Bearcats to enter transfer portal

Within the last month, the Bearcats had more than a dozen players enter the portal including recent announcements from sophomore right tackle Joe Huber and senior receiver Blue Smith.

Huber revealed his decision to transfer on Monday following his sophomore season. The in-state product and former walk-on offensive lineman emerged as a starter at right tackle this season.

Smith started his career at Ohio State before transferring to Cincinnati four years ago. During his final season in Clifton, Smith totaled five catches for 62 receiving yards in nine appearances.

Both players are set to enter the transfer portal alongside several former Bearcats in Ryan Coe, JQ Hardaway, Will Pauling, Jake Renfro, Ja’Quan Sheppard, Jadon Thompson and six others.

Cincinnati Football: Joe Huber, Blue Smith amidst Bearcats to enter transfer portal

Renfro suffered a season-ending knee injury last summer but will have two years of eligibility left. The junior center received All-AAC First Team honors in 2021 before missing this entire season.

Sheppard started at cornerback for the Bearcats and was named to the All-AAC First Team last week after totaling 50 tackles, 10 pass deflections and one sack during his senior campaign.

After spending one season at Cincinnati, senior edge rusher Noah Potter entered the portal this month as well. The former Ohio State defensive lineman had 18 tackles and 2.5 sacks this year.

In the aftermath of early signing day, the Bearcats new-look staff led by first-year head coach Scott Satterfield will continue to focus on the portal after adding four transfers in recent days.

Cincinnati Football: Bearcats offer several future recruits, potential transfers

The Bearcats coaching staff has been busy on the recruiting trail including extending offers to Florida State linebacker Amari Gainer, Troy wide receiver Tez Johnson and several 2024 recruits.

Gainer spent four years at Florida State and totaled 210 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and six sacks before entering the transfer portal. The junior linebacker is expected to commit this Friday.

Johnson racked up a team-best 863 receiving yards on 56 catches during his third season at Troy. It’s important for Cincinnati to add a transfer receiver and Johnson would be a great fit.

Other players that recently received an offer from the Bearcats include Texas State sophomore defensive lineman Davon Sears Jr and four 2024 recruits from across the country and in-state.