12 Things that Need to Happen before Cincinnati Joins the Big 12

Cincinnati joins the Big 12 around this time next year.

Alex Frank | Jul 6, 2022

MACON — One year from now, the Cincinnati Bearcats will officially be in the Big 12. Here are 12 things that need to happen within the Cincinnati Bearcats football and men's basketball programs for them to be ready to win from day one.

1. Getting the starting quarterback right

The Bearcats have to be confident in who their quarterback is after the 2022 season. That's the first question asked about any college football team, especially Power Five teams.

2. Having a succession plan at tight end

The Bearcats are a masterful program at churning out tight ends, going back to Travis Kelce. They need to continue that trend when they join the Big 12.

3. Gino Guidugli MUST prove he's a legitimate offensive coordinator

It turns out Guidugli was calling the plays on offense in 2021. Now, he'll have to show his creativity without Desmond Ridder, Jerome Ford, and Alec Pierce at his disposal.

4. Defense MUST be able to stop the run

Believe it or not, Big 12 teams can run the football. We think of the conference as an air raid, spread offense conference. But that is set up by teams being able to run the football. Stop the run and force teams to pass the ball, and you'll have success on defense in the Big 12.

5. Committed cornerbacks have to be a hit

The Bearcats have a slew of cornerbacks committed for the class of 2023. That's great, but they have to produce against pass-happy offenses once the Bearcats are in the Big 12.

6. Luke Fickell stays

You might be thinking, "What?! He just got a huge contract extension!" I'm not worried either, but that thought still crosses my mind on occasion.

7. Men's Basketball needs to recapture its identity

The tough and nasty defense that won under Bob Huggins and Mick Cronin can immensely help the Bearcats win in the ultra-physical Big 12.

8. Recruiting players who can score

While Big 12 games are physical, someone has to step up and hit that big bucket, right? That's the kind of player Cincinnati needs to recruit heading into the Big 12

9. Transfers need to hit

The Bearcats landed some quality transfers for the upcoming season on the hardwood. If they work out, that will make Cincinnati a destination for transfers heading into the Big 12.

10. They need to contend this year

This is still, historically, the signature program of the University of Cincinnati. Going into the Big 12 after a contending year would build massive momentum.

11. Non-conference scheduling

The Bearcats' non-conference schedule last year wasn't very good, and it showed in American Athletic Conference play. It will have to be drastically better if the Bearcats want to have success in Big 12 play.

12. Take back control of the Crosstown Shootout

You can't consistently lose to your crosstown rival as members of the best Power Five conference in college basketball. Point blank, period.

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