TicketsCINCINNATI — The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced Tuesday that University of Cincinnati offensive linemen Evan Tengesdahl and Joe Cotton have been named to the 2026 Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List.
The Bearcats are one of 16 programs with two or more players represented on the initial watch list.
Tengesdahl, a Dayton, Ohio native, started all 13 games a season ago at left guard. He was rated the No. 6 guard nationally—and first in the Big 12—by PFF with an 82.8 rating on his way to becoming an AP Third-Team All-American.
Cotton, a transfer to UC from South Dakota prior to the 2025 season, started all 13 games at left tackle, anchoring a unit that finished second nationally by allowing only eight sacks. Cotton was named the Outland Trophy’s National Player of the Week last season after a victory over No. 14 Iowa State, where he finished as the highest-graded offensive lineman by PFF as UC rushed for a season-high 260 yards.
The Outland Trophy watch list recognizes 68 returning standout interior linemen representing all 10 FBS conferences plus Independents.
The Bearcats return three starters from last season’s Joe Moore Award semifinalist offensive line including Tengesdahl, Cotton and also Taran Tyo. The Bearcats allowed the fewest sacks (8.0) and tackles for loss (43.0) of any Power Four team in 2025, while finishing third in the nation in yards per carry (5.7) and No. 8 in yards per play (6.9). Further showing confidence in the unit, offensive line coach Nic Cardwell was promoted to co-offensive coordinator in the offseason.
ABOUT THE OUTLAND TROPHY
The semifinalists for the Outland Trophy will be announced on Nov. 18, followed by a joint announcement with ESPN of the three finalists on Nov. 24. The 81st recipient of the Outland Trophy will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN in December. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 27, 2027.
The Outland Trophy, celebrating its 81st year since its founding, is the third-oldest major college football award. It was created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a trophy to recognize the nation's top interior lineman.
BEARCAT FANS: "PANCAKE WITH US" THIS SATURDAY
- What: Free "Pancake With Us" Fan Breakfast & Open Practice
- When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 | Breakfast at 9 a.m. | Practice at 10 a.m.
- Where: Sheakley Lawn & Nippert Stadium
- Details: Meet the Bearcat offensive line as they serve pancakes to fans on Sheakley Lawn. Stick around for open practice and a post-practice photo/autograph session. First 100 fans receive a custom syrup bottle!
PURCHASE TICKETS
Season ticket packages start as low as $300 and represent one of the best values for family entertainment in Cincinnati this fall. A three-month payment plan is available, too. Season parking can be purchased for $100 at Eden Garage here.
Spend your Saturdays with the Bearcats this fall. Purchase tickets and use Ticketmaster's interactive Nippert Stadium map to select your seats.
Ticketmaster’s Step-By-Step Guide to purchasing tickets is available, as well.
For information, visit GoBearcats.com/tickets, call 1-877-228-7849 or email uc.tickets@uc.edu.