Cincinnati Bearcats football, baseball featured in Saturday Spring Showcase

It will be an action-packed Saturday at the University of Cincinnati as fans can tailgate and watch a UC football spring practice with some live scrimmaging, then take in a Big 12 baseball game against Arizona State.

Should you be more adventurous, Elder High product Joe Royer and Colerain legend Dontay Corleone from the UC Bearcats football team will be throwing out the first pitch at the Reds-Pirates game at Great American Ball Park that night. New volleyball coach Danijela Tomic will present the game ball.

Scott Satterfield, Cincinnati Bearcats football in final spring practices

The Skyline Chili Spring Showcase features a tailgate for season ticket holders with UC AD John Cunningham from 10:30-11:45 a.m. followed by the noon practice.

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Coach Scott Satterfield has had the 2025 Cincinnati Bearcats working out since the second week of March with a spring break after the first few practices. After Saturday’s public gathering at Nippert Stadium, the Bearcats will have three more practices.

They’ll adjourn team work after that until summer when preparation starts for the season opener against Nebraska at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 28. The official Nippert home opener is the following week, Sept. 6. UC will have seven home games in addition to the Nebraska neutral game where they will serve as home team and command 75% of the gate in a negotiated deal that could net the Bearcats $3 million.

As for what to expect, it will not be a traditional spring game. However, there will be live scrimmaging and full pads.

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“We haven’t hit a whole lot this spring, but that will be the most we tackle,” he said. “It’s basically an organized scrimmage more so than a practice. We’ll come out and do a few things early but it’ll be a lot of 11-on-11 work. Fans will be able to see a lot of guys running around making plays on both sides of the ball.”

Quarterback-wise, Brendan Sorsby and Brady Lichtenberg know the offense and have gotten a lot of reps, so Satterfield indicated second-year quarterback Samaj Jones should see a lot of action.

“We’ll try to lean more toward the depth guys, young players,” Satterfield said.

Among the receivers, you’ll notice 6-foot-5 Jeff Caldwell who transferred from FCS Lindenwood. He’s made plays of every variety.

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“He needs to get some reps,” Satterfield said. “He hasn’t been here long. We’ll get him out there and get some and see if he can run around and make a few plays. People will find out about him soon enough.”

Among running backs, along with Evan Pryor, Manny Covey and Chance Williams returning, Wisconsin transfer Tawee Walker has caught Satterfield’s eye.

“I’m pleasantly pleased,” Satterfield said. “I thought he’d be a solid back, but he’s kind of turned some heads. He’s got great quickness, he can make guys miss and he’s 220 pounds. He’s got soft hands, he goes hard in special teams drills. He’s been a great addition to our offense. The competition in that room has been really, really good. Evan’s been good and Manny’s been good. It’s been a good room to see.”

First pitch is 3 p.m. for the Bearcats who tangle with the Sun Devils from Tempe. Arizona State won 32 games last season like the Bearcats. Both teams have similar records this year. UC has back-to-back Big 12 series wins with UCF and Texas Tech and will try to take down the Sun Devils by Sunday.

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“They’ve played tough the last couple of weeks,” UC coach Jordan Bischel said. “Top level program after top level program. You should embrace that, I think that’s what you want. Every game’s hard. That’s what makes it fun.”

Players to watch include unbeaten pitcher Nathan Taylor, a West Clermont grad, and infielder Kerrington Cross who was hitting above .400 this past week.

“It’s kind of like it’s not just a tear, he’s just really good,” Bischel said of Cross. “When you’re doing it for 30 games in a row or whatever it’s been, his preparation is unbelievable. He’s not going to be the most “toolsy” guy when he gets to professional baseball, but he’s going to be one of the most dedicated and locked in and that’s what makes him special.”

UC Bearcats at the Ballpark

Tight end Joe Royer and nose tackle Dontay Corleone will throw out first pitches before the Reds play at 6:40 p.m. against the Pirates. It’s also Elly De La Cruz switch-hitter bobblehead night if you need more incentive. Last season saw Jillian Hayes of Loveland and Elder’s Luke Kandra throw opening pitches, so the local angle continues with Royer and Corleone this spring.