The Cincinnati Bearcats enter their October 25, 2025, home showdown against the Baylor Bears with momentum, confidence, and a growing belief that they’ve reestablished themselves as one of the most balanced teams in the Big 12. Under head coach Scott Satterfield, Cincinnati has quietly built a model of consistency built on offensive balance, defensive discipline, and home-field dominance. The Bearcats have started the season 6-1 overall and 4-2 against the spread, thriving particularly at Nippert Stadium where they remain unbeaten and have covered the number in most outings. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby has emerged as the steady leader of the offense, completing over 65 percent of his passes while throwing for more than 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns against minimal turnovers. His command of the offense allows Cincinnati to dictate tempo, and his ability to stretch the field complements a powerful ground attack featuring the one-two punch of Evan Pryor and Tawee Walker, who combine for nearly 200 rushing yards per game. That balance has made Cincinnati difficult to defend, as opponents can’t load the box without opening up space for big passing plays downfield. Against Baylor’s inconsistent defense—which has allowed nearly 30 points per contest—the Bearcats will aim to establish the run early, wear down the front seven, and open up play-action opportunities that have been highly effective this season.

Cincinnati’s offensive line, one of the most improved units in the conference, will play a crucial role in maintaining pocket integrity and sustaining long, punishing drives that keep Baylor’s offense off the field. Defensively, the Bearcats have been stingy, surrendering fewer than 20 points per game and ranking near the top of the Big 12 in run defense and sacks. Their front four has consistently collapsed pockets and forced hurried throws, which should test Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson, who has been productive but occasionally turnover-prone under pressure. The secondary, anchored by a mix of veterans and athletic underclassmen, will need to stay disciplined against Baylor’s vertical passing game but has shown the ability to create takeaways in key moments. Linebackers like Dorian Jones and Deshawn Pace have been instrumental in limiting explosive plays, and that group’s sideline-to-sideline speed could be decisive in containing Baylor’s quick passing rhythm. On special teams, Cincinnati enjoys another edge—steady kicking, strong coverage, and return units that have consistently flipped field position. The energy of Nippert Stadium has always been a factor, and with a potential bowl-clinching or ranking boost on the line, the atmosphere should be electric. Cincinnati’s formula for success in this matchup is clear: start fast, control possession, and play clean football. The Bearcats have outscored opponents by double digits in the first quarter at home this year, and an early lead could force Baylor into a pass-heavy approach that plays directly into Cincinnati’s defensive strengths. While Baylor’s offensive explosiveness ensures this won’t be an easy game, Cincinnati’s cohesion, physicality, and poise at home make them the more reliable side. If Satterfield’s group continues to execute the way it has in recent weeks—minimizing mistakes, sustaining drives, and dominating in the trenches—the Bearcats should not only win but also maintain their strong ATS momentum as one of the Big 12’s most complete and battle-tested teams.