Cincinnati enters the 2026-27 season with a roster capable of putting the Bearcats back where they believe they belong: the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Jerrod Calhoun has never shied away from setting high expectations, and his message about the program’s direction has been clear. The goal is to return to March Madness, and this roster has the experience, versatility, scoring, and defensive talent to make that a realistic objective.

Calhoun and his staff attacked the transfer portal with purpose, bringing in proven producers from several levels of college basketball. The result is a group with plenty of new faces, but also a collection of players who understand what it takes to contribute to winning programs. Cincinnati has added established scorers, experienced guards, versatile forwards, and several imposing frontcourt options.

The biggest question entering the season will be how quickly all those pieces come together. There is no shortage of individual talent, but the Bearcats must turn that talent into consistent production against a demanding schedule. If this group develops the chemistry Calhoun expects, Cincinnati has the personnel to make a serious push toward March.

The Backcourt

Tylen Riley

#10 | Senior Guard | 6-foot-3, 195 pounds | Tulsa Transfer

Riley could quietly become one of the most important additions to Calhoun’s roster. The Tulsa transfer put together an excellent junior season, averaging 15 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 44.8% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range. He started all 38 games and established himself as one of the most productive guards in the American Athletic Conference.

One of Riley’s biggest strengths is his ability to control the game offensively. He understands how to manipulate defenders, operate in pick-and-roll situations, and create opportunities for teammates. He also has an excellent feel for drawing contact and getting to the free-throw line. Riley led the AAC in made free throws and ranked 11th nationally after converting 203 of his 233 attempts. His 87.1% accuracy from the stripe makes him an especially valuable option when games tighten up late.

Riley earned All-AAC Second Team and All-Newcomer Team honors before helping Tulsa reach the NIT championship game. He also landed on the NIT All-Tournament Team after his postseason performance. Calhoun landed one of the more underrated transfers in the portal with Riley. His combination of playmaking, shooting, and ability to get downhill should give Cincinnati a reliable offensive organizer who can make everyone around him better.

Trevian Carson

#0 | Senior Guard | 6-foot-3, 205 pounds | North Dakota State Transfer

Carson arrives in Cincinnati after an impressive season at North Dakota State, where he averaged 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. His production earned him First Team All-Summit League recognition, and his efficiency made him one of the most well-rounded guards in his conference. He connected on 48% of his field-goal attempts, 37.5% of his three-pointers, and 80% of his free throws while playing more than 31 minutes per game.

What makes Carson particularly valuable is his ability to influence the game beyond scoring. His rebounding numbers stand out for a guard, and his defensive instincts allow him to create problems for opposing ball-handlers. Carson plays with active hands, anticipates passing lanes, and has the versatility to defend multiple positions. He gives Calhoun a dependable option who can fill different roles depending on what the team needs on a given night. Expect Carson to become one of Cincinnati’s most reliable all-around role players.

Elijah Perryman

#1 | Sophomore Guard | 6-foot-2, 190 pounds | Utah State Transfer

Perryman gives Cincinnati another young guard with considerable upside after spending his freshman season at Utah State. He appeared in all 36 games, averaging 4.4 points and 3.1 assists in just under 14 minutes per contest. Although his scoring numbers were modest, his ability to distribute the basketball stands out. His assist rate ranked in the 99th percentile, highlighting his potential as a facilitator who can create opportunities for his teammates.

Perryman also brings some intriguing defensive qualities. His adjusted defensive efficiency ranked in the 89th percentile, while his steal rate landed in the 92nd percentile. He also showed an ability to contest shots around the perimeter, reflected in a block rate that ranked in the 68th percentile. Cincinnati doesn’t necessarily need Perryman to become a high-volume scorer. His passing, defensive activity, and ability to keep the offense organized could make him a valuable piece of the rotation as he takes the next step in his development.

MJ Collins Jr.

#2 | Fifth-Year Guard | 6-foot-4, 195 pounds | Utah State Transfer

If Collins retains his eligibility, Cincinnati could have one of the most productive scoring guards in the Big 12. He enjoyed a tremendous season at Utah State, starting all 36 games and leading the Aggies with 17.5 points per game. He also averaged 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 48.7% from the field, 36.1% from three-point range, and 81% at the free-throw line.

Collins brings a scoring package that should translate well to Cincinnati’s offense. He can create his own shot, attack defenders off the dribble, pull up from the mid-range, and knock down perimeter attempts when opponents give him space. His ability to score from all three levels makes him difficult to defend, especially when he finds a rhythm. He also demonstrated his ability to perform on big stages, earning Mountain West Tournament MVP honors and All-Mountain West Second Team recognition. His postseason résumé includes Charleston Classic MVP honors after erupting for 40 points against Davidson. That performance also earned him Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week recognition.

Eric Mahaffey

#20 | Junior Guard | 6-foot-6, 210 pounds | Akron Transfer

Mahaffey might be one of the more versatile pieces Cincinnati added through the transfer portal. During his season at Akron, he averaged 7.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 49.8% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range. He appeared in 37 games, made 11 starts, and earned MAC All-Freshman Team recognition.

His game isn’t built around one particular strength. Instead, Mahaffey impacts several areas without needing the offense to revolve around him. He can rebound, defend multiple positions, handle the basketball, attack the rim, and knock down open perimeter shots. His length and physicality also give him the ability to contribute defensively against both guards and forwards.

One interesting part of Mahaffey’s development involves his size. He played point guard in high school before growing another five inches, which helps explain his comfort handling the ball and creating opportunities for others despite his larger frame. He gives Calhoun a flexible option who can fill different roles depending on the matchup. Players like Mahaffey often become essential pieces of successful teams because they consistently do the little things that lead to winning basketball. This preseason, that role has been playing each position 1-3 in exhibitions.

Javontae Campbell

#3 | Fifth-Year Guard | 6-foot-3, 185 pounds | Bowling Green Transfer

Campbell brings an exceptional defensive résumé to Cincinnati after establishing himself as one of the nation’s most disruptive guards at Bowling Green. He averaged 18.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 3.0 steals per game during the 2025-26 season. His 3.03 steals per game led the country, and he earned MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors for his efforts.

His impact goes well beyond his ability to generate turnovers. Campbell combines excellent lateral quickness with an aggressive approach that allows him to pressure opposing guards, disrupt passing lanes, and turn defensive stops into transition opportunities. He also offers plenty offensively, with the ability to attack downhill, create for teammates, and shoulder a significant scoring load. His accolades include All-MAC First Team recognition, back-to-back MAC All-Defensive Team selections, and finalist consideration for the Lefty Driesell Award.

Unfortunately, Campbell’s availability remains a significant question entering the season. He has been spotted using crutches because of a broken foot suffered over the summer, and there is no clear timeline for his return. Cincinnati would benefit tremendously from his two-way ability, but the Bearcats have the tools to account for his absence until he can get back on the floor.

Akai Fleming

#5 | Sophomore Guard | 6-foot-4, 200 pounds | Georgia Tech Transfer

Fleming arrives at Cincinnati after a productive freshman campaign at Georgia Tech, where he averaged 10.4 points and 3.2 rebounds across 30 appearances. He earned 22 starts and played more than 25 minutes per game, giving him valuable experience against ACC competition. He shot 32.9% from beyond the arc and an impressive 81.6% at the free-throw line, leading Georgia Tech in free-throw percentage.

Fleming offers a smooth scoring game and the size to create matchup problems for opposing guards. He can knock down shots from the perimeter, operate comfortably in the mid-range, and use his frame to get clean looks against smaller defenders. His shooting mechanics and ability to play without forcing the action could make him a useful offensive option alongside Cincinnati’s more established scorers. He also showed flashes of his potential with 17 double-digit scoring performances and a season-high 20 points against Lafayette.

Fleming has already started turning heads during his time in Cincinnati. If he carries that momentum into the regular season, he could compete for a meaningful role in Calhoun’s rotation.

Myles Colvin

#6 | Senior Guard | 6-foot-5, 215 pounds | Wake Forest Transfer

Colvin might be the most exciting athlete on Cincinnati’s roster. The Wake Forest transfer had a breakout season in 2025-26, averaging 11.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while making 24 starts across 35 appearances. He also shot 36% from three-point range and led the Demon Deacons with an 87% mark at the free-throw line.

Colvin gives Cincinnati an explosive perimeter threat who can stretch the floor and attack the basket. His quick release makes him dangerous when opponents lose track of him beyond the arc, while his strength and athleticism allow him to finish through contact. He also has the defensive tools to guard multiple positions and contribute on the glass.

Calhoun has expressed confidence in Colvin’s ability to become an elite three-point shooter this season. That development could prove especially important for an offense looking to surround its primary playmakers with reliable perimeter options. Bearcats fans should also prepare for some highlight-reel moments in transition. Colvin has the explosiveness to turn an ordinary fast break into an arena-rocking finish.

Grant Darbyshire

#13 | Fifth-Year Guard | 6-foot-2, 190 pounds

Darbyshire provides Cincinnati with experience, leadership, and a valuable presence within the locker room. The fifth-year walk-on has local ties to the program and brings the kind of commitment that helps establish a positive team culture. While his role may not show up prominently in the box score, experienced players who embrace their responsibilities can make a meaningful difference throughout a long season.

The Frontcourt

Amani Lyles

#7 | Fifth-Year Forward | 6-foot-9, 240 pounds | Akron Transfer

Lyles is another major addition who should immediately strengthen Cincinnati’s frontcourt. He arrives after an outstanding senior season at Akron, where he averaged 14.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting an impressive 55.8% from the field. He also knocked down 37.3% of his three-point attempts, giving him the ability to stretch defenses beyond the paint.

Lyles brings a combination of size, strength, and offensive versatility that should make him difficult to match up against. He can establish position inside, finish through contact, attack the offensive glass, and step outside to punish defenders who leave him open. His defensive contributions also stand out, as he earned MAC All-Defensive Team recognition alongside All-MAC First Team honors.

Perhaps the most impressive part of his previous season came during Akron’s NCAA Tournament appearance. Lyles scored 26 points against Texas Tech, setting an Akron program record for points in a Division I NCAA Tournament game. He has already shown that he can produce against high-level competition, and Cincinnati will need that same toughness and versatility throughout the season.

Tyler Tejada

#8 | Senior Forward | 6-foot-9, 230 pounds | Towson Transfer

Tejada gives Cincinnati another experienced scoring option with the ability to take over stretches of a game. He led Towson with 17.7 points per game during the 2025-26 season, adding 5.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists across 32 appearances. He also reached the 1,000-career-point milestone, further highlighting the experience he brings to the Bearcats.

At 6-foot-9, Tejada has the size to create problems for smaller defenders, but his offensive game extends beyond the low post. He can operate in the mid-range, create his own shot, and use his strength to get downhill and draw contact. His 88.2% free-throw percentage makes him dangerous when opponents struggle to contain him without fouling. Although his three-point percentage finished at 29.1% last season, his ability to score in isolation and carry an offensive workload gives Cincinnati another valuable weapon.

Tejada’s experience as a primary scoring option should also help take pressure off the other offensive pieces. With several capable scorers on this roster, he won’t necessarily need to carry the same burden he did at Towson. That could allow him to become an even more efficient contributor.

Adlan Elamin

#9 | Sophomore Forward | 6-foot-10, 200 pounds | Utah State Transfer

Elamin might have one of the highest ceilings of anyone on Cincinnati’s roster. The sophomore appeared in 35 games for Utah State last season, making 28 starts and averaging 6.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per game. He shot 44.4% from the field and 83% from the free-throw line while showing flashes of his ability to stretch the floor.

However, his potential extends well beyond his freshman production. Elamin’s combination of length, mobility, and athleticism has already attracted attention from NBA evaluators. His 6-foot-10 frame and impressive wingspan give him the tools to operate as a modern perimeter forward who can defend multiple positions, attack the basket, and contribute as a floor spacer.

His selection to the prestigious Jayson Tatum Elite Camp over the summer further demonstrates the level of attention surrounding his development. Elamin still has room to add strength, but his physical tools and natural feel for the game make him an intriguing prospect. He has also spent considerable time working on his three-point shot this summer. If that part of his game continues to develop, Cincinnati could have a matchup nightmare on its hands. His long-term NBA potential makes him one of the most exciting players to watch this season.

David Iweze

#11 | Sophomore Forward | 6-foot-9, 245 pounds | Utah State Transfer

Iweze brings an intriguing combination of athleticism, physicality, and defensive potential to Cincinnati’s frontcourt. After spending his first season at Utah State as a redshirt, he enters the Bearcats’ rotation with four years of eligibility remaining. His length and athletic ability give him the tools to become an effective rim protector, while his willingness to compete on the glass should make him a valuable presence around the basket.

Iweze is at his best when he plays with energy. He runs the floor, attacks the offensive glass, and uses his athleticism to finish around the rim. His development over the past year has also included work on his perimeter skills and post game, giving him additional ways to contribute offensively.

I was particularly impressed with Iweze during his minutes against Oakland. He played with tremendous effort, consistently pursued rebounds on both ends, and recorded three significant blocks. For a player who spent last season developing behind the scenes, he already looks comfortable competing in Cincinnati. If he continues to build on that performance, he could become an important piece of Cincinnati’s frontcourt depth.

Jayden Hastings

#22 | Senior Forward | 6-foot-10, 245 pounds | Boston College Transfer

Hastings gives Cincinnati a physical interior presence who will help anchor the paint on both ends of the floor. He appeared in 31 games for Boston College last season, making 29 starts and averaging 6.7 points and 5.6 rebounds. His biggest strength came around the basket, where he converted an impressive 61.1% of his field-goal attempts.

Defensively, Hastings brings the size and timing needed to challenge opposing big men. His shot-blocking ability stands out, as he finished 57th nationally in individual block percentage. He understands how to use his length around the rim, contest shots without unnecessarily leaving his feet, and make life difficult for opposing players trying to finish inside.

Offensively, Hastings doesn’t need many touches to make an impact. He can finish around the basket, run the floor, attack offensive rebounds, and serve as a reliable target in pick-and-roll situations. His efficiency makes him a valuable option in the frontcourt, particularly when Cincinnati needs a physical presence against bigger opponents.

Deshaun Vaden

#32 | Junior Forward | 6-foot-11, 225 pounds | Mount Union Transfer

Vaden arrives in Cincinnati after establishing himself as one of the most productive shot blockers in Division III basketball. During his sophomore season at Mount Union, he averaged 4.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks in just 15.6 minutes per game. He shot 63.6% from the field and finished the season with 94 total blocks, ranking third nationally in blocks per game.

His defensive production earned him the 2026 Jim Burson Ohio Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award, making him just the second player in Mount Union history to receive the honor. At 6-foot-11, Vaden gives Cincinnati another lengthy option capable of protecting the rim and altering shots around the basket.

The transition from Division III to the Big 12 presents a significant challenge, but his shot-blocking instincts give him an intriguing foundation. Cincinnati has plenty of frontcourt depth, which should allow Vaden to develop while providing another option when the Bearcats need size and defensive production.

Riley Allenspach

#35 | Senior Forward | 6-foot-11, 245 pounds | George Mason Transfer

Allenspach rounds out Cincinnati’s frontcourt additions with another experienced big man who can score in multiple ways. He enjoyed a productive season at George Mason, averaging 13.6 points and 6.1 rebounds while starting 31 of 32 games. His 56.6% shooting from the field ranked second in the Atlantic 10 and 36th nationally, demonstrating just how effective he was around the basket.

What makes Allenspach particularly valuable is his ability to operate both inside and outside. He uses his size and footwork to establish position in the paint, but he also has enough perimeter touch to pull opposing big men away from the basket. He knocked down 31.3% of his three-point attempts last season, with that number climbing to 39.4% during Atlantic 10 play.

Allenspach earned All-Atlantic 10 Second Team recognition after recording 23 double-digit scoring performances and four double-doubles. He also previously helped Samford reach the NCAA Tournament, giving him experience in a winning program. His combination of size, scoring ability, and shooting touch gives Cincinnati another frontcourt option who can create matchup problems.

A Roster Built to Compete in March

When looking at Cincinnati’s roster from top to bottom, one thing becomes clear: Calhoun and his staff have prioritized versatility. The Bearcats have several guards who can create their own offense, distribute the basketball, and defend at a high level. They also have a frontcourt loaded with size, shooting ability, and different skill sets that should give Cincinnati plenty of options depending on the opponent.

The scoring potential is encouraging. Collins, Tejada, Lyles, Riley, Carson, and Colvin all bring proven production from their previous stops. That gives Cincinnati multiple players capable of stepping up offensively rather than relying on one individual to carry the workload every night.

Defensively, the Bearcats have the personnel to make life difficult for opposing offenses. The collection of backcourt athletes and lengthy frontcourt players give Calhoun plenty of options. Cincinnati should have the ability to pressure the basketball, protect the rim, and create transition opportunities.

Of course, there are questions that need answers. Campbell’s injury situation remains something to monitor, Collins’ eligibility throughout the year will be important, and the number of incoming transfers means chemistry will play a significant role in determining how quickly this group reaches its potential. Calhoun will also need to establish a consistent rotation with so many players capable of earning meaningful minutes.

Still, the talent is there. Cincinnati has assembled a roster with experience, athleticism, scoring depth, and defensive versatility. Several players arrive with postseason experience, and others have the potential to take significant steps forward in their development.

Calhoun has made his expectations clear. Cincinnati wants to get back to March Madness, and this isn’t a roster that should be content with simply competing for a postseason opportunity. The Bearcats have the personnel to challenge established programs in the Big 12 and put themselves in position to earn an NCAA Tournament bid.

There is plenty of work ahead, but the foundation looks promising. The pieces are in place. Now it’s about putting them together.

For Cincinnati, the road back to March Madness starts now.