What conference is cincinnati in?

Cincinnati and Its Role in the Big 12 Conference

Cincinnati is one of the largest cities in Ohio and is home to a number of professional teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League and the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball. For sports fans, the city is home to several top-notch collegiate teams as well. Among these are the Bearcats of the University of Cincinnati, who play in the Big 12 Conference.

History of Big 12 Conference in Cincinnati

The Big 12 Conference has historically been one of college football’s powerhouses, featuring top-notch teams such as Oklahoma, Texas, and West Virginia. From its inception in 1996, the conference has included the University of Cincinnati and its storied Bearcats. The team has enjoyed success in the Big 12, posting five straight bowl game appearances from 2002 until 2006. Over this period they also won two conference titles.

Cincinnati Bearcats and the Big 12

The Bearcats have been an integral part of the Big 12 Conference since it converted to a 10-member Big 12 from its predecessor, the Big 8 Conference. The team has continued to experience success, including winning double-digit
games for seven straight seasons from 2007 to 2013. In the 2021 season the Bearcats returned to a bowl game for the first time in eight years with a victory over Virginia Tech in the Military Bowl.
The Bearcats have also proven to be an integral part of the conference’s history, both athletically and as a part of the conference’s culture. The Big 12 Conference championship trophy, known as the Dr Pepper Centennial Trophy, bears the name of former Bearcats linebacker Tony Pappas.

As it stands, the Cincinnati Bearcats are currently in their first season competing in the Big 12 Conference. The team’s head coach Luke Fickell leads a group of talented players that look to continue the Bearcats success in the Big 12 as they continue to build on the team’s rich tradition. With a passionate fan base and a storied history, Cincinnati is sure to remain a formidable presence in the Big 12 for years to come.