This is the first post in a 12-post series that gives a preseason analysis of what to expect from all 12 of the Cincinnati Bearcats' upcoming opponents this college football season. Cincinnati takes on the Boston College Eagles in week one on Saturday, September 5th at 3:30 p.m. at Nippert Stadium.
The Cincinnati Bearcats open the 2026 college football season at home against Bill O'Brien and Boston College. Last season, the Eagles went 2-10, winning their only games in week one against Fordham and their final game against Syracuse. The Eagles lost 10 straight games last season.
Boston College is having a complete roster turnover; they have 29 outgoing transfers, including 26 incoming transfers, along with 23 players from the incoming high school class. Their highest-rated transfers are wide receiver Landon Wright from Washington State, linebacker Bodie Kahoun from Notre Dame, Edge Rusher Kris Jones from Georgia, and wide receiver Reed Swanson from Colgate,
Boston College's projected win total for the season is 3.5 wins per FanDuel and BetMGM. Their only "free" win on their schedule is Maine, but they do play weak opponents like Rutgers, Syracuse, and Georgia Tech that would put them just over the 3.5-win line.
Their most impactful players this season on offense are supposed to be Swanson, who caught 57 passes for 939 yards and 8 touchdowns at Colgate, and their expected quarterback, Mason McKenzie, who transferred in from Saginaw Valley State, where he won the GLIAC Player of the Year, passing for 2,086 yards and 17 touchdowns. He added 942 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, a true dual threat that could come onto the scene in 2026.
On defense, their big contributors are expected to be returning corner Isaiah Farris, who had 29 total tackles and six pass deflections in 2025. Defensive back KP Price is expected to make an impact; last season, he had 93 total tackles, 65 solo, adding 2 interceptions.
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