The Cincinnati Bearcats finished the regular season 5-7, with a 3-6 record in conference games and 11th overall in the Big 12. Since the Bearcats failed to win over six games, they did not qualify for a bowl game for the second time in Scott Satterfield’s short tenure as head coach. Since their regular season is officially over, players can decide whether to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, enter the transfer portal, or stick around for another season in Ohio.
The Cincinnati Bearcats’ elite defensive lineman reveals his plans for 2025

Bearcats’ elite redshirt junior defensive lineman Dontay Corleone announced on X that he will return for his redshirt senior season, his final year of eligibility, instead of declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft and forgoing his final year of eligibility. Here’s what he had to say about the subject matter.
“Growing up in Cincinnati, I always dreamed of being a Bearcat. To run onto the field in Nippert Stadium in front of thousands of Cincinnati fans. The past three years, I have lived that dream every Saturday. Memories of my life and the relationships I have made will last a lifetime here.
“After much consideration and reflection with my family, I have decided that my time as a Bearcat is not over. Let’s run it back one more time!”
One more for the city. #TheStrongShallReign pic.twitter.com/8GpJeqMUbP
— Dontay Corleone (@dontaycorleone2) December 9, 2024
The All-American overcame adversity in 2024

At the end of June, the Cincinnati Bearcats announced that Dontay Corleone would be out indefinitely due to blood clots in his lungs.
Also Read: REPORT: Bearcats Reveal a Significant Health Update Regarding their Elite 1-Time All-American.
After missing the first game of the season against the Towson Tigers, Corleone was cleared to play and resume football activities. He played their final 11 games and went back to his dominant self, recording 26 tackles, 26 pressures, five TFLs, ten stops, and 3.5 sacks. He also posted a 70.5 pass rush, a 78.7 run defense, and a 78.1 overall PFF grade. Finally, his efforts earned him an All-Big 12 First Team selection.
Dontay Corleone will impact the Cincinnati Bearcats defense and defensive line in a quest for a bowl game in 2025
