Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Kansas Jayhawks Prediction and Picks – Saturday, September 27, 2025
Use Code WWWC Saturday’s Big 12 clash features the Cincinnati Bearcats traveling to Lawrence to take on the Kansas Jayhawks at 12 p.m. ET on TNT. When these teams last met on November 25, 2023, Kansas dominated in a 49-17 victory as a 7.5-point road favorite. But two years later, both programs enter in different positions. Cincinnati (2-1, 0-0 Big 12) is coming off a bye week after blasting Northwestern State 70-0, while Kansas (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) is looking to build on its 41-10 home win over West Virginia.
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Sorsby leading through the air and ground
After going 5-7 last year and ending the season on a five-game losing streak, the Cincinnati Bearcats enter Saturday at 2-1, looking to prove they’re ready for Big 12 competition. They opened the season with a tough 20-17 neutral-site loss to Nebraska before bouncing back to beat Bowling Green 34-20. On Sept. 13, they rolled over Northwestern State 70-0 in a dominant performance, then had a bye last week to regroup.
The offense is led by junior quarterback Brendan Sorsby. After transferring from Indiana and starting last season for the Bearcats, Sorsby has emerged as a true dual-threat weapon. Through three games, he has completed an efficient 70.3% of his passes for 655 yards with eight touchdowns and only one interception. On the ground, he also leads the team with 175 rushing yards and four touchdowns, averaging 8.0 yards per carry. His ability to extend plays and punish defenses with his legs has made a substantial impact in Cincinnati’s early success.
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Two weeks ago against Northwestern State, Sorsby went a perfect 15-for-15 with five passing touchdowns and added a rushing score. He has built chemistry with wideout Jeff Caldwell, who leads the team with 172 receiving yards.
Defensively, Cincinnati is ranked 20th nationally in scoring defense (13.3 PPG allowed) and 23rd in rushing defense, limiting opponents to just 92 yards per game on the ground. The secondary has been solid as well, giving up only 184.3 passing yards per game.
Jayhawks coming in hot
Kansas enters this matchup with a 3-1 record (1-0 Big 12), riding momentum after a convincing 41-10 rout of West Virginia. The Jayhawks opened the season with back-to-back home wins, beating Fresno State 31-7 and Wagner 46-7, before dropping their lone contest at Missouri, 42-31. Last season, the Jayhawks went 5-7.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels remains the key to their attack, and through four games, he has provided both efficiency and explosiveness. Daniels has thrown for 817 yards and 12 touchdowns with just two interceptions, completing 66.7% of his passes. While he hasn’t been asked to run as often this season, his 159 rushing yards prove he’s still capable of extending plays outside the pocket when needed.
Kansas is averaging over 37 points per game. The Jayhawks feature a versatile backfield with Leshon Williams (181 yards and two touchdowns) taking the lead role while Daniel Hishaw Jr. adds valuable depth. In the passing game, wideout Emmanuel Henderson Jr leads the team with 221 receiving yards,
On defense, the Jayhawks have quietly taken a step forward. Allowing just 16.5 points per game, they are inside the nation’s top 35 in scoring defense while giving up 319.5 total yards per game. Linebacker Trey Lathan anchors the unit with 28 tackles. Still, the Jayhawks have struggled in the red zone, ranking 112th nationally by allowing opponents to score every time they reach that territory. Against a Cincinnati team ranked No. 1 in red-zone scoring efficiency, shoring up this weakness will be critical to keeping control at home.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs Kansas Jayhawks predictions
ATS Pick for Cincinnati vs. Kansas
- Cincinnati +4.5 (4 units)
The Bearcats are in a much better spot than in 2023, and Sorsby’s efficiency both through the air and on the ground gives them an offensive identity that Kansas must respect for four quarters.
Kansas has struggled in red zone defense (112th nationally, allowing points on 100% of opponent trips), while Cincinnati has the nation’s top-ranked red zone offense (100% scoring rate). With Cincinnati’s defensive front limiting rushing yards (92.0 YPG allowed) and big-play prevention improving, this looks like a tight contest, and the dog is live.
I think the Bearcats will give the Jayhawks a scare until the end. Take the points and Cincinnati.
Total Pick for Cincinnati vs. Kansas
- Under 56.5 (4 units)
Although both teams have shown strength offensively early, I expect defense to shape this game. With this being a Big 12 game, both teams will look to minimize mistakes.
Kansas held West Virginia to just 10 points last week, and Cincinnati is yet to allow more than 20 points against anyone. Expect a competitive, physical matchup where field goals matter, with the total landing under the posted 56.5.
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