Bearcats Best Eagles, BC Falls 34–15 in Season Opener
By Luke Ballard
9/7/2026
CINCINNATI – With a less-than-ideal start, the Boston College Eagles opened up the 2026 football season with a 34–15 loss at the hands of the JC French IV and the Cincinnati Bearcats of the Big XI.
In a game characterized by many of the downfalls that plagued the Eagles in the 2025 campaign, BC struggled to keep up with the aggressive and fast play style that Cincinnati’s defense brought to the table. Led by the legendary Nate Woody, the Bearcats defense would prove to be too much for the Eagles’ offensive line. Allowing four sacks, six QB hits, and eight tackles for loss, the Eagles were overwhelmed by the Bearcats defensive line led by Drew Logan (3 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack) and Josh Hough (5 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks).
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To add to the offensive line struggles, the Eagles also faced yet another injury crisis in game one. With notable players such as Michael Crounse, Veguer Jean-Jumeau, and Carter Davis all leaving the field at some point during the game, questions will soon begin to arise about how and why so many players seem to pick up injuries.
Junior Transfer Mason McKenzie held his own on the road, throwing for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while facing immense pressure from persistent Bearcat blitzes. Although looking very shaky at times under pressure, only time will tell how McKenzie will deal with a rushed style of play, as a one-game sample size with many missing components is hard to judge. Running backs Evan Dickens and Bo MacCormack III struggled with blitz pick-ups as well, thus allowing the six QB hits.
On the ground, the Eagles were able to account for 165 yards on 38 carries and one touchdown while averaging 4.3 yards per rush. Leading the way for BC was McKenzie with 20 attempts for 78 yards. McKenzie picked up many crucial third-down conversions for the Eagles with his legs, showcasing his dual-threat ability that has been boasted about in the past. However, those would be the only third-down conversions BC would be able to pick up, as they went a disappointing 4-of-13 and 1-of-4 on fourth downs.
McKenzie was able to find Javarius Green on six occasions for a total of 74 yards, as well as Johnathan Montague Jr. twice for 55 yards, and tight end Brady Clough four times for 31 yards. Unfortunately for the Eagles offense, Colgate transfer and red zone threat Reed Swanson was absent from the stat sheet despite a small amount of targets from McKenzie.
Conversely, the Eagles defense was a tale of two halves. Allowing 10 points and only 139 yards in the first half, BC subdued Georgia Southern transfer JC French IV to a mere 36 passing yards, and only 103 on the ground from various players. However, Cincinnati would go on to rush for 151 rushing yards in the second half. And despite holding French IV to only 77 passing yards all game, the dual-threat quarterback rushed for 52 yards, three touchdowns, and added a lone passing touchdown on top.
The Eagles yet again seemed to struggle with tackling in the open field and stopping the run. Although holding an opponent to 77 passing yards may seem impressive, and at times it is, Cincinnati felt no need to pass the ball as they repeatedly gashed the Eagles’ defense while effectively bleeding the clock throughout the second half. Gi’Bran Payne led the way with 108 yards on 14 attempts, while second options Cole Tabb and Zion Johnson both added 37 and 31 yards, respectively.
Despite the disheartening loss, it is only game one of a guaranteed twelve, and there is still lots of time to change and adjust before BC opens up ACC Conference schedule play on September 26 vs. James Franklin’s new-look Virginia Tech.
The Eagles next host Rutgers in the annual Red Bandana Game in honor of Boston College’s very own Welles Crowther this Friday on 9/11. Former Eagles Quarterback Dylan Lonergan comes to town, this time as a Rutgers Scarlet Knight, as they look to avenge a brutal week one home loss to the UMass Minutemen.