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Cincinnati Bearcats 2025 Postseason Outlook: Where the Big 12 Could Send Them

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 12:09 GMT by The Cincinnati Enquirer

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Where Could the Cincinnati Bearcats Football Team Land in the Postseason? A 2025 Outlook

The University of Cincinnati’s football program has grown into a national powerhouse in the past decade, and as the 2025 season looms, fans and analysts alike are scrambling to predict where the Bearcats will finish on the postseason map. A recent piece on the Cincinnati Enquirer’s website (“Where could Cincinnati Bearcats football land in postseason? Post‑BYU Big 12 bowl schedule”) does just that, mapping out the Big 12’s bowl tie‑ins, the Bearcats’ potential records, and the various scenarios that could lead Cincinnati to any of the 11 bowl games that the conference has negotiated for the 2025‑26 season.

1. The Big 12’s Bowl Landscape After BYU

The article opens with a recap of the conference’s recent reshaping. With BYU’s exit (the “post‑BYU” period) and the addition of the University of Utah, the Big 12 now has a slightly different slate of tie‑ins. The conference is officially committed to:

The article notes that the Big 12 now has 11 bowl slots, up from 10 in 2024, and that the conference’s overall strength has increased, giving its teams a better chance at higher‑tier bowls. The “post‑BYU” wording refers to the shift in bowl commitments that occurred when BYU’s independent status ended the following season.

2. Bearcats’ Pathway: How Records Translate to Bowls

Central to the article’s narrative is a simple chart that pairs a Bearcats record with a likely bowl destination:

The article emphasizes that Cincinnati’s 2025 schedule is stacked with non‑conference games that could swing the team’s record. A strong finish to the regular season would likely land them in one of the mid‑tier bowls such as the Las Vegas Bowl or Holiday Bowl. However, if the Bearcats win the Big 12 Championship Game, they could secure a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl even if their overall record is modest.

3. Coach’s Perspective

In a sidebar interview with Head Coach Luke Fickell, the article reports his optimism about the Bearcats’ bowl prospects. “We’re always aiming for the top,” Fickell says. “But we’re also focused on winning the Big 12 and, if that doesn’t happen, we want to finish strong enough to get a respectable bowl. The Las Vegas or Holiday Bowl would be great for the program, especially if we can bring some of the region’s best talent home for the season.”

Fickell also mentions that the coaching staff has been planning for a range of bowl scenarios, with specific game plans for each potential opponent. “We’re not just preparing for the conference; we’re preparing for the rest of the country,” he says. “The game plan for the Gator Bowl is very different from the one we’d use in the Holiday Bowl.”

4. Key Games That Could Make or Break the Bearcats

The article highlights several pivotal matchups that could determine Cincinnati’s postseason destiny:

1. Season‑Opener vs. Ohio State – A homecoming at Paul Brown Stadium that could set the tone for the Bearcats’ competitiveness against Power Five opponents.
2. Mid‑Season Showdown vs. Texas – A clash that could decide the Big 12’s top spot and influence the conference’s bowl assignments.
3. Closing Game vs. Oklahoma State – A high‑stakes matchup that could secure a bowl berth or a higher seed in the Big 12 Championship Game.

Fickell’s remarks on each game provide insight into the tactical adjustments the Bearcats will employ. For instance, against Ohio State, the team will emphasize aggressive defensive pressure, whereas against Texas, they will focus on a balanced offensive attack to keep the game in the pocket.

5. Fan and Media Expectations

The article also quotes several local analysts and former Bearcats players who offer their take on the postseason potential:

• Tom Gorman, former Bearcats defensive lineman: “If we finish with a solid 8‑win season, the Las Vegas Bowl is where we’d want to be. It’s a great stage for the program and a chance to showcase our talent to a national audience.”
• Jessica Reyes, Cincinnati Sports Editor: “There’s excitement around the possibility of a New Year’s Six bowl, especially if we win the Big 12 title. The city is buzzing with the potential of bringing that prestige back to Cincinnati.”

The article concludes by noting that the Bearcats’ bowl placement will ultimately depend on not just their record but also the overall performance of the Big 12 and other conferences. Yet, with the coaching staff’s focus and the program’s recent growth, Cincinnati’s chances of a respectable postseason finish appear brighter than ever.

6. Final Takeaway

In short, the Cincinnati Enquirer’s detailed breakdown demonstrates that the Bearcats are on a promising trajectory for the 2025 postseason. Whether they land in a mid‑tier bowl like the Las Vegas Bowl or advance to a New Year’s Six appearance, the article underscores that Cincinnati’s strategy, schedule, and performance will be key determinants. Fans can anticipate a season full of excitement, and the Bearcats’ postseason destination will likely be a matter of a few critical wins—and a little bit of luck along the way.