CINCINNATI — A new era of Cincinnati basketball begins Monday night when the Bearcats host American University at Fifth Third Arena. First-year head coach Jerrod Calhoun will make his regular-season debut with a completely rebuilt roster as Cincinnati looks to open its 2026-27 campaign with a victory.

Calhoun arrives after two successful seasons at Utah State, where he compiled a 55-15 record and led the Aggies to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Cincinnati enters the season with 14 newcomers and just one returning player, fifth-year guard Grant Darbyshire, making the early nonconference schedule an important part of the year as the team develops chemistry.

The Bearcats showed plenty of offensive potential during exhibition play. Cincinnati defeated Ohio State 79-68 in October before falling 105-96 to Illinois. The Bearcats finished their exhibition schedule with an impressive 97-58 victory over Oakland on October 27.

Senior guard Tylen Riley has been one of Cincinnati's most productive players during the preseason. Riley scored 23 points against Ohio State before delivering 31 points and 13 assists against Illinois. His ability to create offense and distribute the basketball should be important as the Bearcats establish their identity under Calhoun.

Cincinnati also added several experienced transfers, including Tyler Tejada, who averaged 17.7 points and 5.5 rebounds at Towson last season, and Javontae Campbell, the reigning Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year from Bowling Green.

American, however, shouldn't be overlooked. The Eagles enter the season as the Patriot League preseason favorite after finishing 16-16 last year. Head coach Duane Simpkins returns nearly his entire roster, including sophomore guard Madden Collins, who averaged 13.4 points per game, and senior Greg Jones, the conference's preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

The Eagles rely heavily on perimeter shooting, averaging nine made three-pointers per game last season. Cincinnati will need to defend the three-point line while using its offensive talent to challenge an experienced American team that returns its three leading scorers.

Monday's contest will mark just the second meeting between the programs, with Cincinnati winning the previous matchup 72-69 in 1991. For the Bearcats, the opener is an chance to establish their style of play before the competition becomes more demanding. Cincinnati will host Green Bay on Thursday and Minnesota next Monday before traveling to Dayton on November 14.

Game Information

Prediction

American has the experience and perimeter shooting to challenge Cincinnati early, but the Bearcats have more offensive weapons and should be able to wear down the Eagles as the game progresses. Expect Calhoun's team to push the pace, create turnovers, and build a comfortable lead in the second half.

Final Score: Cincinnati 90, American 60