Today, we’re diving through the Cincinnati Bearcat RB group; last season has come and gone. There was a lot to be desired out of last year’s performance on the ground, rushing for 2289 yards and 20TD’s total. However, 100 carries for 580 yards and 9 TD’s were from the QB position last season. While the QB’s will have a prolific rushing game (link below), that production is unlikely. On top of that, the only returning RB who contributed last year is Zion Johnson, who put up 22 carries for 106 yards and 1 TD. That means that UC has to replace 2183 rushing yards from last year, and 1603 of those missing yards were from the RB position. Below is a look at how the rotation is panning out right now!
Cincinnati Bearcats Football: QB Room Preview
RB’s:
Gi’Bran Payne
Payne comes into Cincinnati from South Bend, where he is a 5th year senior. The 5’10”, 208 RB had 9 carries for 53 yards, and no touchdowns for Notre Dame last year. He missed the entire 2024 season with an ACL injury. Gi’Bran put up 45 carries, 168 yards, and 2 TD’s in 2023. He also showed his receiving ability, pulling in 9 catches for 58 yards and 2 TD’s. He comes into Cincinnati to finish his career and will be tasked with getting back to the potential he showed in 2023. Payne’s summer and fall camps have been nothing but positive, with him looking poised to be RB1.
Payne’s availability this week:
https://gobearcats.com/news/2026/08/11/gibran-payne-practice-media-availability-august-11-2026
Zion Johnson
Johnson is a 5’8″ RB sophomore from Covington, Georgia. Last year, he played in 4 games while maintaining his ability to redshirt, meaning he has 4 years left. He had 22 carries for 106 yards, scoring one time. Averaging 4.8 yards per attempt in the Big 12 is impressive, showing why he was so highly regarded as a 4* recruit. He will look to make a significant step forward this year and become a clear lead back for this Bearcats team behind one of the best offensive lines in the country.
Here’s his media availability from this week:
https://gobearcats.com/news/2026/08/12/zion-johnson-practice-media-availability-august-12-2026
Zylan Perry
Perry is a 5’11”, 210lb RB who is a 5th year senior from Franklin, Louisiana. He transferred in from Louisiana where he was all-Sun Belt honorable mention. He put up 138 carries for 689 yards, 8 TDs, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Zylan added in 16 receptions for 106 yards. 2024 was more efficient for Perry, though he didn’t find the endzone nearly as much, finishing with 112 carries, 695 yards, and 4 TD’s. Despite a significant step up, Perry has a spot in this roster and will be given the opportunity to make explosive plays on special teams as he is known to do as a kick returner.
Zylan Perry Media availability 8/15/2026:
https://gobearcats.com/news/2026/08/15/zylan-perry-practice-media-availability-august-15-2026
Cole Tabb
Cole is a 5’8″, 200lb junior transfer from Stanford. He had an impressive 2025 campaign, rushing 114 times for 445 yards, 3 TD’s, 4 receptions, and 22 yards. As he’s just played 2 seasons, he will have 3 remaining. Expect him to have more of a rotational value this season with significant developmental upside. In the 2024 class, he was a 4* prospect and the 20th RB overall. As a transfer, he was 3*, and 70th overall RB.
Jayzon Thompson
Jayzon is a 5’11”, 195lb freshman from Knoxville, Tennessee. He was a 3* RB per 247 Sports, 80th RB, and the 40th overall recruit in the state of Tennessee. Last season, he rushed 216 times for 1970 yards, 28 TD’s while adding 48 catches for 627 yards and 7 TD’s. He will be a developmental piece as things move forward this season.
James Lewis
Lewis is a bit of a wildcard. The 6′, 200lb transferred in from Manchester University (DIII) after two successful years. Last season, he had 17 rushing attempts for 47 yards and a TD. His 2024 season he saw more usage, with 30 attempts, 166 yards, 1 TD, adding 5 receptions for 70 yards. He also played DB last season for the Spartans.
Cincinnati’s Running Back room has significant developmental upside while maintaining the ability to be a solid squad behind the “Great Wall of Cincinnati” that we call the offensive line. You can read more on the offensive line here:
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