Tranfer Portal News: UC Lands Top Transfer Portal Lineman
Friday was a big day for the Bearcats in the transfer portal.
Throughout spring practice, the one glaring weakness has been the consistency at the left tackle position. That concern was addressed on Friday when 6'7" 315-pound South Dakota offensive lineman Joe Cotton committed to the Bearcats after his visit to the Clifton campus.
Cotton ranks as the No. 1 offensive lineman available in the transfer portal and ultimately chose the Bearcats over list of offers that came down to Michigan, Texas A&M, as well as Wisconsin.
Speaking with Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz of 247sports, Cotton had the following to say about why he committed to Cincinnati:
"They just checked all the boxes. The coaching staff was easy to talk to, it felt like a group of guys I can connect with for my role on the team and really come in and make an impact. Honestly, I just loved the community, too."
Cotton's accolades during his two years at South Dakota include being named a freshman All-American in 2023. The South Dakota native earned a 81.5 PFF grade this past season, surrendering just one sack.
The addition of Cotton allows offensive line coach Nic Cardwell to get creative with how he uses other transfer portal additions Taran Tyo (Ball State) and Nolan Latulippe (Albany).
Nippert Stadium 📍 pic.twitter.com/StfWds5sVY
— Joe Cotton (@Joseph_Cotton1) April 19, 2025
A redshirt junior, Cotton comes to Cincinnati with two years of eligibility remaining.
Cincinnati Adds Idaho State LB Darrel Gipson
Cotton wasn't the only commitment that UC received Friday, as Idaho State transfer linebacker Darrel Gipson also announced his commitment to the Bearcats.
Satterfield and defensive coordinator Tyson Veidt have made it clear during the spring that they are pleased with the current depth of the linebacker room.
A true sophomore, Gipson appeared in 12 games and recorded 21 tackles for Idaho State. At 6'3" 248 lbs, the Washington native comes to Cincinnati with the ability to play all three linebacker positions, as well as multiple years of eligibility remaining.
(Photo: UC Athletics)
Wide Receiver Tony Johnson Enters Transfer Portal
Friday's portal news wasn't all positive, as wide receiver Tony Johnson announced that he would enter his name into the transfer portal.
Johnson was projected to be one of the Bearcats' starting wide receivers after having a solid spring.
Johnson led UC in touchdowns during the 2024 season (6), finishing his one season in Clifton with 449 yards on 48 catches.
Johnson's departure opens the door for incoming transfers Jeff Caldwell, Cyrus Allen, Caleb Goodie, and Noah Jennings to have a more featured role in the Cincinnati offense. From a depth perspective, Johnson leaving also allows more opportunity for young receivers Giyanhi Kontosis, Dakarai Anderson, and Elijah Jones to see increased reps.