No. 6 Utah defeated Cincinnati 49-25 at Nippert Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, according to a report published Oct. 31. The Bearcats, who entered the game with a 5-3 record, were unable to overcome a 42-6 halftime deficit against the 8-0 Utes.
Utah established dominance early through two defensive touchdowns and two passing touchdowns from quarterback Devon Dampier. In the first quarter, Dampier connected with tight end Hunter Andrews for a 4-yard touchdown. Wayshawn Parker added a 13-yard touchdown run to extend the lead. In the second quarter, Rabbit Evans returned a Gi’Bran Payne fumble 51 yards for a touchdown, and Elijah Davis returned an interception 39 yards for a score, both late in the half to extend Utah's lead to 42-6.
Cincinnati attempted a second-half comeback, outscoring the Utes 19-7 in the final two quarters. Running back Cole Tabb recorded his third consecutive 100-yard rushing game, finishing with 131 yards on 14 carries, including a 48-yard touchdown run. Cornerback Jacob Finley contributed a 79-yard interception return for a touchdown and led the team with 10 tackles. JC French IV added a 2-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to bring the Bearcats within 25 points.
Head coach Scott Satterfield noted that the team struggled with penalties and missed opportunities near the goal line. He stated that the Bearcats failed to convert scoring opportunities when they reached the Utah 7-yard line in the first half. The loss follows a previous victory by Cincinnati over No. 8 Texas Tech.
Cincinnati will travel to play No. 18 Houston next week. The kickoff time and television network for that game are to be announced early this week.
