As 2026 begins and the team returns for the first workouts of the year, it’s a natural moment to reflect on what we built in 2025. With over 124 million impressions across platforms, it was the most successful social media season in school history. A 447% year-over-year growth in this analytical category made for an incredible scrapbook of content across our feeds all season long.
These weren’t just highlight moments; they were proof points of a creative strategy rooted in preparation, alignment, and belief in the Cincinnati Football brand. Each piece of content below reflects a standard we set and expect to carry forward.
We expanded our content ecosystem with multiple player-driven series and verticals. Continuing The Strong Shall Reign docuseries while launching podcasts like 4 Claps and social formats such as Bearcat Chat allowed us to showcase player personalities in authentic, helmet-off ways. These series weren’t about quick hits; they were about building sustained connection and giving fans more ways to know the people behind the program.
One of the most meaningful moments of the year was the strategic rollout of the Sheakley Athletics Performance Center. This wasn’t just a facility unveiling; it was a statement of investment in the future of Cincinnati Football. Every piece of content was intentional, designed to reflect the scale, beauty, and importance of the building as both a performance space and a recruiting tool.
In the summer, we unveiled new uniforms by leveraging our most powerful alumni voices — Jason and Travis Kelce — through the New Heights podcast. Tapping into two of the most influential figures connected to the program allowed us to amplify the launch beyond traditional channels. It was a strategic blend of alumni engagement, modern media, and brand storytelling that resonated far beyond Cincinnati.
Throughout the season, each home game operated like a coordinated production. With more than 30 creatives — students and full-time staff — working in unison, we captured Cincinnati Football from every angle. This level of coordination wasn’t accidental; it was the result of clear roles, trust, and systems that allowed everyone to contribute to a shared goal of telling the full story of game day.
One of my favorite pieces of content each gameday in 2025 was our instant reaction content series, highlighting the biggest play of each game immediately after the final whistle. This series was both timely and strategic, blending speed, relevance, and sponsorship integration. It proved that revenue-generating content doesn’t have to sacrifice authenticity or fan engagement.
We also embraced creative crossover during our Iowa State game by integrating WWE as part of a Big 12–led initiative. With Cincinnati’s own WWE superstar Angelo Dawkins in town the same weekend, we blended sports and entertainment in a way that felt organic and timely. It was a great example of staying flexible and capitalizing on moments that extend beyond the field.
October marked a defining stretch of the season as a five-game winning streak coincided with the most impressions in a single month in the history of @GoBearcatsFB. That success wasn’t reactive; it was the result of being prepared with a content plan designed to scale when momentum hit. We didn’t chase the moment; we were ready for it.
Our TikTok presence reached new heights in 2025, earning recognition from the TikTok Sports team as the best in college football and among the top sports accounts in the world. This honor validated a platform-first strategy focused on reaching new audiences where they already are. It reinforced that intentional, audience-aware content can drive real growth.
Finally, one of the most visible national moments of the season came with both Big Noon Kickoff and College GameDay broadcasting live from our games — a rare accomplishment in a single year. These opportunities put Cincinnati Football on the biggest stages in the sport, and our content team made sure we maximized the moment. When the spotlight was brightest, we showed exactly who we are.
As we turn the page to 2026, these moments serve as more than memories; they’re benchmarks. The work starts again today. The standard stays the same.
Clay Bollinger 
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