The Cincinnati Bearcats have a proud legacy in NCAA athletics. From the earliest seasons of University of Cincinnati Bearcats football to today’s thriving Cincinnati Bearcats football program, the team has built a reputation for competitive spirit, major wins, and loyal fans. This tradition of success continues to shape the school’s athletic identity and inspire future athletes.
College Sports Established
1910
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio
College Name
University of Cincinnati
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1910 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2013 - Present / American Athletic Conference
2005 - 2013 / Big East Conference
1995 - 2005 / Conference USA
1991 - 1995 / Great Midwest Conference
1975 - 1991 / Metro Conference
1957 - 1969 / Missouri Valley Conference
1947 - 1952 / Mid-American Conference
1925 - 1935 / Buckeye Athletic Association
1910 - 1924 / Ohio Athletic Conference
Nickname
Bearcats - The Cincinnati Bearcats have been integral to the NCAA since their inception in 1885. As one of the oldest teams in college football, they have a long and storied history, including several national championships and numerous conference titles. But where did their unique nickname come from?
The origins of the “Bearcat” moniker can be traced back to 1914 when UC's student body voted on a new mascot to replace its previous symbol, which was a black bear cub named "Bingo." The students chose "Bearcat" as it represented strength and ferocity - two qualities that would become synonymous with Cincinnati athletics over time.
In addition to being an intimidating presence on game day, Bearcats also represent loyalty among fans who proudly wear their colors during every season - no matter what team is playing against them or how good they are doing at any given moment. This sense of togetherness has helped create an unbreakable bond between players, alumni, and supporters throughout UC's illustrious history.
While some may question why this particular animal was chosen for such an iconic role within college sports culture, there is no denying that it has become one of the most recognizable mascots in all collegiate athletics today! From t-shirts bearing its likeness to stadium banners adorned with its image – everyone knows exactly what you mean when you say, “Go Bearcats!”
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 2
1962, 1962
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1961
- 1962
- 2004
- 2009
- 2011
- 2013
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NCAA Champs by Beating Rivals Ohio State
The 1961 NCAA University Division Basketball Tournament involved 24 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men’s NCAA Division I college basketball in the United States. It began on March 14, 1961, and ended with the championship game on March 25 in Kansas City, Missouri. A total of 28 games were played, including a third-place game ... -
Rematch with Ohio State and The Same Sucess
The 1962 NCAA University Division Basketball Tournament involved 25 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men’s NCAA Division I college basketball in the United States. It began on March 12, 1962, and ended with the championship game on March 24 in Louisville, Kentucky. A total of 29 games were played, including a third-place game in ... -
The Bearcats win their final Conference USA title in basketball
In 2004: The Bearcats win their tenth and final Conference USA title in basketball and reach the second round of the NCAA tournament, losing to Illinois 68-92. -
The Bearcats win their third Big East title in football
In 2009: The Bearcats win their third Big East title in football and finish the regular season undefeated at 12-0. They play in their second BCS bowl game, losing to Florida 24-51 in the Sugar Bowl. Brian Kelly leaves as head coach to take over at Notre Dame. -
The Bearcats win their fourth Big East title in football
In 2011: The Bearcats win their fourth Big East title in football and play in their third BCS bowl game, losing to Vanderbilt 24-31 in the Liberty Bowl. Mick Cronin leads the basketball team to its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2005, reaching the second round and losing to Connecticut 58-69. -
The Bearcats join the American Athletic Conference
In 2013: The Bearcats join the American Athletic Conference as a founding member after the split of the Big East. They finish second in both football and basketball, but lose both conference championship games. They play in the Military Bowl and beat Middle Tennessee State 35-13. They also reach the second round of the NCAA basketball tournament, losing to Harvard ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Cincinnati Bearcats History
The Cincinnati Bearcats have been one of the most recognized programs in NCAA athletics for more than a century. Founded in 1885 as part of the University of Cincinnati Athletic Association, the school quickly built a strong sports tradition. Today, both the University of Cincinnati Bearcats football program and the Cincinnati Bearcats football team continue to attract national attention for their performances and passionate fan base.
The Cincinnati Bearcats football program officially moved into Division I-A (now FBS) in 1996 and has since claimed or shared multiple conference titles. The University of Cincinnati Bearcats football team has made appearances in prestigious bowl games, including the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl, and produced three undefeated regular seasons. Legendary coaches such as Brian Kelly and Luke Fickell elevated the Cincinnati Bearcats football program to national prominence, while NFL stars like Travis Kelce and Connor Barwin emerged from its roster.
Basketball also holds a celebrated place in Cincinnati Bearcats history. Under coaches like Ed Jucker, Bob Huggins, and Mick Cronin, the team captured two national championships (1961 and 1962), multiple Final Four appearances, and a string of NCAA Tournament berths. The program produced NBA talents such as Oscar Robertson, Kenyon Martin, Sean Kilpatrick, and Lance Stephenson, demonstrating the strength of the Bearcats’ basketball tradition.
Bearcats Achievements
Beyond football and basketball, the Cincinnati Bearcats excel in numerous other sports including baseball, track and field, and soccer. Their dedication to student-athlete development has earned conference titles across men’s and women’s athletics and top rankings in academic achievement among public universities. This balanced excellence reinforces the standing of the University of Cincinnati Bearcats football program and all Bearcats sports within the NCAA.
Today, the Cincinnati Bearcats are members of the Big 12 Conference, a move that signals the next era of growth for the Cincinnati Bearcats football and basketball programs. With a loyal fan base known as Bearcat Nation, cutting-edge facilities, and a pipeline of elite athletes, the university continues to compete at the highest level. Support for the Cincinnati Bearcats remains strong on campus and nationwide, ensuring their tradition of success endures for future generations.
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