Look, the 2025 season for the Cincinnati Bearcats isn't just another year in the Big 12. It’s a massive turning point. After the dust settled on the 2024 campaign, everyone was looking at the uc football schedule 2025 to see if Scott Satterfield could finally get this engine purring. Honestly, it’s a weird one. We've got a "home" game that isn't at Nippert, a bunch of first-time meetings with former Pac-12 giants, and a schedule that feels like a gauntlet through the middle of the country.
You've probably seen the basics, but there is a lot of nuance here that fans are missing.
The Nebraska Game is Not a Road Trip (Technically)
The biggest talking point right out of the gate is the season opener on Thursday, August 28. UC is playing Nebraska. But wait. If you look at the schedule, it says the game is at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
UC is actually the designated home team here. It’s part of a deal that’s been brewing for years. We were supposed to go to Lincoln during the COVID mess, and they were supposed to come to Clifton in 2025. Instead, the administration opted for a neutral-site payday in the NFL's loudest stadium. Is it a home game? Not really. Nebraska fans travel like a nomadic army. Expect a lot of red in those seats.
Breaking Down the Non-Conference Slate
Once the Bearcats get back from Kansas City, they finally get to step onto the turf at Nippert Stadium. The home opener is September 6 against Bowling Green.
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People tend to overlook the MAC, but Bowling Green has a history of being annoying for Power Four teams. Then, on September 13, we get Northwestern State. Basically, this is the "get right" game before the conference schedule kicks in. It’s also Band and Spirit Day, so the atmosphere should be top-tier even if the opponent isn't a blue blood.
Key Non-Conference Dates
- Aug 28: vs Nebraska (Kansas City) – 9:00 PM ET on ESPN
- Sept 6: Bowling Green (Home Opener) – 3:30 PM ET on ESPN+
- Sept 13: Northwestern State – 3:30 PM ET on ESPN+
After these three, the team gets an early bye on September 20. This is actually pretty huge. It gives the staff time to adjust the scheme before heading into the Big 12 meat grinder.
The Big 12 Gauntlet: New Faces and Old Grudges
This is where the uc football schedule 2025 gets really spicy. The Big 12 is now a 16-team beast. Cincinnati opens conference play on the road at Kansas on September 27.
Then comes a brutal stretch. October 4 brings Iowa State to town. If you’ve followed the Cyclones lately, you know Matt Campbell’s teams are always disciplined and physical. A week later, on October 11, the "Space Race" continues as UCF flies into Nippert. This rivalry is becoming one of the best in the "New Big 12."
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Then, it’s a trip to Stillwater on October 18 to face Oklahoma State. Boone Pickens Stadium is a nightmare for visiting quarterbacks. Honestly, if UC can split these four games, they’ll be in a great spot for bowl eligibility.
The November Newbies
The back half of the schedule is fascinating because UC is facing teams they have literally never played before in some cases.
- At Utah (Nov 1): The Utes are the gold standard for physical, smash-mouth football. Playing in Salt Lake City is no joke.
- Arizona (Nov 15): The Wildcats bring a high-flying offense to Nippert. It’s the inaugural matchup between these two.
- BYU (Nov 22): The Cougars come to Cincinnati for Senior Day. BYU fans are everywhere, so expect a loud one.
The regular season wraps up on November 29 at TCU. Fort Worth in late November can be unpredictable, but it’s a classic way to end the year.
Nippert Stadium Home Games: Mark Your Calendars
There are seven games at Nippert this year, which is a big win for season ticket holders.
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- Oct 4 vs Iowa State: Family Weekend (Stripe the Stadium)
- Oct 11 vs UCF: Wear Black
- Oct 25 vs Baylor: Homecoming (Wear Red)
- Nov 15 vs Arizona: Military Appreciation (Wear Black)
- Nov 22 vs BYU: Senior Day (Wear Black)
The Homecoming game against Baylor is a sneaky big one. Baylor struggled recently, but Dave Aranda is a defensive mastermind. UC beat them in 2024, so the Bears will be looking for some payback.
What to Watch During the Spring Showcase
If you can't wait until August, the Spring Showcase on April 12 is your first real look. It’s not a "game" in the traditional sense—more like an open practice with some live situational scrimmaging.
Brendan Sorsby is the guy to watch. He showed flashes of brilliance last year, but in 2025, he needs to be the anchor. The defense also has a lot of holes to fill in the secondary. The spring session is less about the score and more about seeing which of the portal additions actually look like they belong in the Big 12.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning your life around the uc football schedule 2025, here is what you actually need to do:
- Book Kansas City Early: If you're going to the Nebraska game, don't wait on hotels near Arrowhead. That area gets pricey fast, especially with Nebraska fans flooding in from Lincoln.
- Stripe the Stadium: For the Iowa State game on Oct 4, check your section's color. There’s nothing worse than being the one person in red when your whole section is white.
- Watch the Bye Weeks: UC has two off-weeks (Sept 20 and Nov 8). These are the weekends to plan your non-football life so you don't miss the Arizona or Utah games.
- Secondary Markets: For games like UCF and BYU, tickets will go fast. If you aren't a season ticket holder, keep an eye on the secondary market early in the summer before the "hype" kicks in.
The 2025 season is a chance for Cincinnati to prove they belong at the top of the Big 12. The schedule is tough, the travel is long, but the opportunities for marquee wins are everywhere.