Preview & Prediction: Boston College Football vs Cincinnati
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We’re back! The long and boring offseason is finally over. After the Boston College football team finished 2-10 last season, we’ve seen a lot of turnover and changes come to the program. They hired a GM, hit the transfer portal like never before, and have brand new staff under Bill O’Brien to bring the Eagles back to bowl game contention. This new journey starts at home against Cincinnati, who were 7-6 last year with a loss to Navy in the Liberty Bowl.
Who: Boston College Eagles (0-0) @ Cincinnati Bearcats (0-0)
Where: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
When: Saturday September 5th, 2026
Kickoff Time: 3:30pm ET
How to Watch: This game will be broadcast live on FOX
Our staff has spent this week compiling some great content to preview this match-up. Take a look:
BC vs Cincinnati: Bearcats Offense/Defense
Boston College Football vs. Cincinnati: Betting Preview & Prediction
Boston College Football 2026 Preseason Roundtable
What to Watch For
- New BC offense vs new UC defense: Cincy and BC have made extreme changes to their roster through the transfer portal, so both are going to get a big test right out of the gate. BC’s new playmakers Mason McKenzie and Evan Dickens are going up against a Bearcat defense that brought in a new DC and 10 of 11 new starters after they gave up the most yards in the Big 12 last season. It will be a promising sign if BC can start to move the ball on the ground early.
- Can the Eagles’ defense generate pressure? BC’s defense was a major issue last season and could even take a step back this year after losing most of their key contributors and switching to defensive coordinator Ted Roof and his leaky roof defense. Some key names to watch on the defensive line are edge rushers Kris Jones and Onye Nwosisi, plus DT Chris Marable Jr. If they can generate pressure in the backfield, it will be a marked improvement over what they did last season.
- Bill O’Brien is calling plays. The offensive-minded head coach has taken over playcalling duties. Hopefully his experience as an NFL playcaller results in a more productive approach. Things got dicey last season when Lonergan and James were getting yanked in and out of games, creating a chaotic environment that often struggled to create consistent offensive or methodical drives.
Prediction: Cincinnati 24 Boston College 17
Unfortunately I’m pretty sour on BC to start the season. Until Mason McKenzie can show us that he is ready to be an ACC quarterback, and the BC defense can show us that they can put up any sort of resistance, I’m going to assume it’s more of the same from last season. Here’s hoping I’m wrong!
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