UC in the Big XII
In 2023, the University of Cincinnati joined the Big 12 Conference, one of the NCAA “Power Five” conferences. The Big 12 and other athletics conferences represent the most elite and prominent athletics programs in the nation.
Our commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and community engagement remains steadfast. Through our rich 200-year history and successes, we continue to rise to every challenge, seize every moment, and own every move
Joining the Big 12 Conference marks a significant milestone for the University of Cincinnati. It's not just about competition; it's a commitment to excellence, a stage where Bearcats elevate their game and showcase their prowess on a national scale.
With 25 years of history, 69 team national champions and 702 individual national champions to its name, the Big 12 ranks among the nation’s premiere athletic conferences. This move means introducing opposing fans from across the country to the Queen City, our award-winning campus, and what it means to be Bearcats. Welcome to a new era of spirited competition and unparalleled athletic achievement in the heart of the Big 12.
The impact of the move to the Big 12 Conference extends beyond the walls of the Lindner Center and into the classrooms and research laboratories on campus, aligning with our university's drive for excellence in all that we do.
John Cunningham
Director of Athletics
Nippert Stadium
Nippert Stadium, named after Jimmy Nippert, has been the proud home of the University of Cincinnati football team since 1901, making it the second-oldest playing site in the nation for college football. With its timeless brickwork, wrought-iron gates, and trim, Nippert Stadium stands as the third-oldest NCAA FBS stadium, a classic showplace for college football.
Cincinnati Athletics will commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the dedication of Nippert Stadium during the entire 2024 football season, celebrating the life of stadium namesake Jimmy Nippert as the Bearcats' season-long theme. The celebration will take center stage Nov. 9, 2024 when the Bearcats face former BIG EAST rival West Virginia on Carson Field.
History and Alumni
The University of Cincinnati boasts a strong athletic tradition, fostering holistic student development with renowned figures like basketball icon Oscar Robertson, Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, and NFL Pro Bowlers Travis and Jason Kelce among its esteemed alumni.
Basketball:
- Won back-to-back NCAA National Championships (1961 and 1962)
- Among the 15 winningest programs of all-time with over 1,900 total wins.
- Notable alumni include Oscar Robertson, one of the greatest players in NBA history, Kenyon Martin, the first overall pick in the 2000 NBA draft, and Nick Van Exel, former All-Star in 1998 with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Football:
- In 2021, became the first non-Power Five program to compete in the College Football Playoff.
- Cincinnati has proven to be among the winningest teams in college football over the past decade.
- Bearcats in the NFL: Cincinnati has produced many notable players, including fourth overall pick Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner (New York Jets), and Super Bowl Champion brothers Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs) and Jason Kelce.
Olympic sports:
- The University of Cincinnati fields teams in 18 sports, winning 8 national championships and over 100 conference titles.
- Other notable Bearcats include Sandy Koufax, one of baseball’s greatest players and four-time World Series champion, Jordan Thompson, All-American volleyball player and U.S. Olympian, and Tony Trabert, NCAA tennis champion and winner of 10 Grand Slam titles, including the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open in 1955.
Olympic athletes:
- Mary Wineberg, member of the gold medal-winning U.S. 4x400-meter relay team in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
- Jordan Thompson, member of the U.S. women’s volleyball team that won their first gold medal in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
- Ted Corbitt, first Black U.S. marathoner in Olympic history.
- David Payne, won the silver medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Conference history:
- Independent: 1885–1909, 1937–1946, 1953–1956
- Ohio Athletic Conference: 1910–1925
- Buckeye Conference: 1926–1936
- Mid-American Conference: 1947–1952
- Missouri Valley Conference: 1957–1969
- NCAA Division I-A independent: 1970–1981, 1984–1995
- NCAA Division I-AA independent: 1982–1983
- Conference USA: 1996–2004, 2005–2012
- Big East Conference: 2005–2012
- American Athletic Conference: 2013–2022
- Big 12 Conference: 2023–present
Spearheaded by Larry and Rhonda Sheakley's transformative giving and leadership, Cincinnati Athletics proudly announces its groundbreaking $134-million Indoor Practice Facility. This state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize the Cincinnati student-athlete experience, offering an unparalleled advantage in competition and recruitment.
Director of Athletics John Cunningham emphasizes the crucial role of this facility in fostering championship-level performance, providing a permanent home for the football team, and elevating the standard for all sports programs. The close proximity to the Lindner Athletic Center in Varsity Village ensures collaborative interactions among teams and staff, fostering a dynamic and supportive athletic community.
Key Features of the Indoor Practice Facility:
- 84,000 square feet
- 120-yard football field
- All-weather, year-round home for Cincinnati football
- Direct access to the Performance Center's amenities
- WiFi, remote-operated cameras, state-of-the-art sound system, and Catapult technology
Together, we are shaping the next era of athletic achievement at the University of Cincinnati.
When I first came to school here, I would have never imagined anything like this ever coming to Cincinnati. But to see it here and have it in person, it’s great.
Harrison Alt
2020 UC Alum
Attending a Big 12 School
As a student attending the University of Cincinnati, the experience is uniquely shaped by the dynamic and diverse community that spans 50,921 students across 14 colleges. Embracing inclusivity, UC boasts a student body representing all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and hailing from 152 countries outside the U.S. This rich tapestry of backgrounds contributes to a vibrant campus life, fostering cultural exchange and a global perspective.
Nippert Stadium, situated in the heart of campus, is more than just a sports venue; it's a central part of student life. On any given day, you’ll find students exercising, reading, sunbathing, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The excitement peaks during Homecoming, with thrilling visits from ESPN College Gameday and Fox Sports Ohio, making it a premier destination for sports enthusiasts. Our student ticket program ensures that everyone can join in the fun and be part of the Bearcats' spirit.
As a new member of the Big 12, the University of Cincinnati now competes against prestigious institutions like the University of Texas, Oklahoma State University, Baylor University, and Texas Tech University. Bearcat students will experience the thrill of facing these powerhouse schools in major sports, especially football and basketball. This competition elevates UC's athletic profile and offers students a more dynamic college experience, complete with high-stakes games and increased national attention. The move to the Big 12 not only enhances UC's sports programs but also its academic standing, as it joins a conference known for both athletic and scholastic excellence.