Luke Kandra Corey Kiner Jared Bartlett Jamoi Mayes Josh Minkins Dartanyan Tinsley Related Videos Now Playing: Play Video The University of Cincinnati football team had seven players join NFL rosters over the weekend, led by offensive linemanwho was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round (No. 250 overall).Williams' selection continues Cincinnati's impressive NFL Draft streak, which now extends to 10 consecutive years dating back to 2016. The Bolingbrook, Ill., native is also the 14th player from Cincinnati's historic 2021 College Football Playoff team to hear his name called in the NFL Draft.Williams started his final 24 games at left tackle for the Bearcats and appeared in 52 games throughout his collegiate career.
During Cincinnati's landmark 2021 playoff season, he contributed in 12 games, making three starts.In addition, six Bearcats secured undrafted free agent contracts following the NFL Draft.One of the most notable Cincinnati alumni to sign a UDFA deal was linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. in 2023, when he struck a deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Pace Jr. went on to be a major contributor that season, totaling 102 tackles (63 solo), 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception during his rookie campaign.These former Bearcats now look to follow in Pace Jr.'s footsteps:Kandra established himself as one of college football's premier interior linemen during his two-year stint with the Bearcats, earning All-Big 12 honors in both seasons while being selected to the Walter Camp and Associated Press All-America teams in 2023. Ranked as the Big 12's top right guard by Pro Football Focus in consecutive seasons (2023 and 2024), Kandra's pass protection was nearly impenetrable as he surrendered just a single sack across 24 games in a Bearcat uniform.During his three-year tenure with the Bearcats, Kiner, a Cincinnati native and former Ohio Mr. Football recipient, amassed 2,562 rushing yards, placing him eighth on the program's all-time list.
In 2024, he compiled 1,153 yards on the ground, joining an elite group as just the fifth Cincinnati player to achieve consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.In his one season as a Bearcat, Bartlett spearheaded the defensive side of the ball, leading the Bearcats in tackles (69), tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (7.5) last season. The Miami, Fla., native had a season high 10 tackles against TCU.Mayes was a key contributor during his lone season at Cincinnati, appearing in all 12 games and starting 11 of them. He recorded 29 receptions for 349 yards and one touchdown, placing him fourth on the team in both catches and receiving yards.
The Griffin, Ga., native was also a participant in the College Gridiron Showcase.Minkins helped hold down the secondary for UC, hauling in a team-leading two interceptions. He also added 45 tackles, four pass breakups, and 1.5 tackles for loss.The offensive lineman was a two-year starter for Cincinnati, making 21 starts and appearing in 30 games across three seasons for the Bearcats. Tinsley also made an appearance at the Hula Bowl.The Cincinnati football team returns First Team All-Big 12 Queen City natives Dontay "The Godfather" Corleone and tight endin addition to dual-threat quarterback.
The Bearcats enter Year 3 of theera primed to take the next step with 11 returning starters and 27 new scholarship players. Cincinnati opens the season in Kansas City on Thursday, Aug. 28, against Nebraska at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and has a home schedule that features seven home games: Bowling Green (Sept. 6), Northwestern State (Sept. 13), Iowa State (Oct. 4), UCF (Oct. 11), Baylor (Oct. 25), Arizona (Nov. 15) and BYU (Nov. 22).Season tickets for the 2025 Cincinnati Football season are on sale now. Please contact the ticket office at gobearcats.com/tickets or call 1-877-CATS-TIX (1-877-228-7849) to purchase yours today.
