The Battle for the Victory Bell returns to Cincinnati on Saturday as the Cincinnati Bearcats host the Miami (OH) RedHawks in the 129th meeting between the two programs. This time in a really intriguing location, TQL Stadium. Yeah, they’re playing football on the soccer pitch!
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET with the game set to air on ESPN+. Of note, if you’re going, the gates open 90 minutes before kickoff, not 2 hours. Plan accordingly!
While both teams enter the rivalry matchup with plenty to prove, the stakes extend far beyond the 2026 season. The Victory Bell represents one of college football’s oldest and most storied rivalries, with Cincinnati and Miami meeting for the first time in 1888.
And with the all-time series separated by just one game (61-60-7), Saturday’s matchup adds another (potentially final) chapter to a rivalry that has remained remarkably competitive for nearly 140 years.
The Battle for the Victory Bell
The Cincinnati-Miami rivalry is the oldest current non-conference college football rivalry in the United States and the oldest rivalry in the state of Ohio.
The series began in 1888 in Oxford, Ohio, in what was also the first college football game ever played in the state.
The Victory Bell was introduced in the 1890s and has become the centerpiece of the rivalry. The trophy features red paint on one side representing Miami and black paint on the other representing Cincinnati.
Entering Saturday’s matchup, Cincinnati owns a razor-thin 61-60-7 advantage in the all-time series.
The Bearcats dominated the rivalry for much of the modern era, winning 16 consecutive meetings from 2006 through 2022. Miami snapped that streak in dramatic fashion in 2023, defeating Cincinnati 31-24 in overtime.
With the series as close as it is historically, every meeting carries added weight — and Saturday will be no different.
Cincinnati Comes In Rolling
The Bearcats enter the Victory Bell matchup with plenty of momentum after opening the season with back-to-back dominant victories.
Cincinnati defeated Boston College 34-15 before following it up with a 62-10 demolition of Western Carolina.
Through the first two games, Scott Satterfield’s offense has established a physical and highly productive rushing attack.
The Bearcats rushed for 418 yards against Western Carolina, with Gi’Bran Payne leading the way. Cincinnati’s rushing offense currently ranks fourth nationally, giving the Bearcats a clear identity heading into Saturday.
Quarterback J.C. French IV has also provided plenty of efficiency through the air, especially in game 2 vs. Western Carolina.
French has completed 81.6% of his passes through the first two games while accounting for six total touchdowns. Three through the air and three on the ground.
That combination of a dominant ground gameand efficient quarterback play has allowed Cincinnati to control the pace of games while consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses.
Defensively, linebacker Jonathan Thompson has helped lead a unit that has allowed just 12.5 points per game through the first two contests.
Cincinnati’s defense will face a different challenge Saturday against a Miami offense looking to establish consistency through the air.
Miami Looks to Build Off Holy Cross Win
Miami enters Saturday’s rivalry game coming off a much-needed bounce-back performance.
The RedHawks opened the season with a 59-14 loss to Pitt before responding with a 45-7 victory over Holy Cross.
Freshman quarterback David McComb has taken over the offense and has shown plenty of promise through the first two games. He has thrown for 475 yards and four touchdowns, including a remarkable performance against Holy Cross in which he completed all 13 of his pass attempts while throwing three touchdowns in their 42-0 first half outburst.
The RedHawks have struggled to find consistent production on the ground, however, placing additional pressure on McComb and the passing game.Miami’s offensive line will also have a major responsibility against Cincinnati’s defense. Veteran offensive lineman Eric Smith anchors an experienced group up front that will be tasked with keeping McComb clean and giving the freshman quarterback time to operate.
On the perimeter, Lynel Billups-Williams has emerged as McComb’s primary receiving threat. The wide receiver leads the RedHawks with 104 receiving yards entering Saturday.
Defensively, Miami will need to slow down the most productive part of the Cincinnati offense: the rushing attack.
The RedHawks’ defense is always highly regarded in the MAC. However, the RedHawks were shaky against the pass when they played Pittsburgh. When they played Holy Cross on Saturday, they allowed 13 yards in the first quarter before the game opened up as they started rotating a bit.
Linebacker Malcolm McCain is the leading tackler for the RedHawks with 12 total, including 6 solo. Defensive back Toney Coleman Jr. has 10 tackles, including 8 solo. There are a trio of guys with 8 tackles on the year, including LB Eli Coppess and CJ Young. Dillon Tatum is the third with 8 out of the secondary. The most important part of the game is goign to be the trenches, UC boasts one of the most dangerous offensive lines in the country, while Miami’s has struggled a bit overall. The line has put up just 14 tackles across 8 players this season. Of the 113 tackles on the year, that leaves 99 from the linebackers or secondary.
The Cincinnati offense has a significant opportunity to pressure the RedHawks early via the ground and blow this one open. The RedHawks gave up TD passes of 53, 45, 35, 27, 17, 15, and 5 yards against Pitt. There is a significant opportunity for UC to unleash the passing game off play action as they establish the running attack as well.
Key Matchup: Cincinnati’s Rushing Offense vs. Miami’s Run Defense
If Miami wants to keep the Victory Bell game competitive, stopping Cincinnati’s rushing attack will be priority No. 1.
The Bearcats just ran for 418 yards against Western Carolina, and their ability to consistently move the chains on the ground has been a major reason for their fast start.
Miami’s defensive front will have to win at the line of scrimmage and prevent Cincinnati from reaching the second level.
The RedHawks can consistently force Cincinnati into unfavorable down-and-distance situations, and they can put more pressure on French to make plays through the air. He’s still growing into his role as QB1 at UC and they could force him into a rushed throw or two
Cincinnati establishes the run early and it will be a long afternoon for the Miami defense.
The Bearcats’ rushing success would allow them to control the clock, wear down the RedHawks’ defensive front and open up the quick-strike passing game for French.
Players to Watch
Cincinnati Bearcats
Gi’Bran Payne
Payne headlines a Cincinnati rushing attack that ranks fourth nationally. His ability to create explosive runs and consistently move the chains will be critical against a Miami defense built to stop the run.
J.C. French IV
French has been extremely efficient through two games, completing 81.6% of his passes while contributing six total touchdowns. His ability to make the right decisions and capitalize when Miami commits extra defenders to the run could be a major factor.
Jonathan Thompson
Thompson has anchored a Cincinnati defense that has surrendered just 12.5 points per game. His presence in the middle of the defense will be important as Cincinnati looks to limit McComb and the Miami passing game.
Miami (OH) RedHawks
David McComb — Quarterback, No. 16
The freshman quarterback has thrown for 475 yards and four touchdowns through two games. His perfect 13-for-13 performance against Holy Cross, which included three touchdown passes, showcased his potential to make plays through the air.
Lynel Billups-Williams — Wide Receiver, No. 10
Billups-Williams has emerged as McComb’s primary perimeter weapon and leads Miami with 104 receiving yards. Cincinnati’s secondary will need to prevent him from creating explosive plays.
Eric Smith — Offensive Line, No. 51
Smith provides veteran leadership to a Miami offensive line that will face a major test against Cincinnati’s front seven. Protecting McComb will be essential if the RedHawks want to consistently move the football.
Malcolm McCain — Linebacker, No. 3
McCain serves as the centerpiece of the Miami defense and currently leads the RedHawks with 12 total tackles and a tackle for loss. His ability to diagnose Cincinnati’s rushing attack will be something to watch throughout the afternoon.
Dillon Tatum — Defensive Back, No. 1
Tatum is a high-profile transfer addition who has helped stabilize Miami’s secondary. The former Northwestern player will be tasked with helping limit Cincinnati’s explosive passing opportunities when the Bearcats inevitably find success on the ground.
Final Thoughts
The Victory Bell rivalry doesn’t need much additional motivation.
Cincinnati enters Saturday’s matchup with momentum, a productive rushing attack and an offense that has consistently moved the football through the opening two weeks. Miami, meanwhile, will look to carry the confidence from its bounce-back victory over Holy Cross into one of the most important games on its schedule.
For the Bearcats, the formula is straightforward: establish the run, stay efficient on offense and force McComb to make difficult throws.
For Miami, slowing down Cincinnati’s rushing game and avoiding costly mistakes could be the difference between staying within striking distance and watching the Bearcats pull away.
The Victory Bell is on the line once again, and with Cincinnati holding only a one-game advantage in the all-time series, another chapter in one of college football’s oldest rivalries is set to be written Saturday afternoon.
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