Cincinnati’s 2026 Defensive Line Features Proven Pass-Rush Production, Transfer Size and Professional Upside

The University of Cincinnati enters the 2026 season with a rebuilt defensive front featuring an accomplished transfer pass rusher, several experienced interior additions and a collection of young players still attempting to establish themselves at the Big 12 level.

The Bearcats must replace the presence of Dontay Corleone, who anchored Cincinnati’s defensive line during the previous four seasons. Instead of depending on one established star, Cincinnati has assembled a deeper collection of transfers and returning contributors who can fill specialized roles.

First-year defensive coordinator Nate Woody has installed a more aggressive 3-4 defensive scheme. The system will use three primary down linemen, two edge defenders and considerable pre-snap movement. Cincinnati’s official 2026 roster also separates its front-seven players into defensive-line and EDGE designations, making the Bearcats’ intended positional structure clearer than it was in previous seasons.

Thomas Johnson is the most accomplished newcomer after recording 12 sacks and earning First-Team All-MEAC honors at North Carolina Central in 2025. Patrick Bauer arrives from an Illinois State team that reached the FCS national championship game, while Jaylon White-McClain and Brian Simms III give Cincinnati experienced returning options on the edge.

The interior was also strengthened through the transfer portal. Josh Hough recorded 58 tackles and 11 tackles for loss at California University of Pennsylvania, Chidera Otutu started the final 10 games at UTSA, and Elijah Gunn previously produced 19 tackles during his final season at Southern Illinois.

Cincinnati may not enter the season with a proven NFL Draft selection along the defensive line, but the group has enough size, experience and production to become one of the defense’s most important units.

Defensive Ends and Edge Rushers

Thomas Johnson — No. 54

Position: EDGE/Defensive End Height: 6’3” Weight: 255 pounds Class: Fifth Year Hometown: Lawndale, California Previous School: North Carolina Central

Background

Thomas Johnson enters the 2026 season as Cincinnati’s most accomplished pass rusher.

Johnson spent four seasons at North Carolina Central and steadily increased his production. He recorded eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2022 before adding 24 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks in 2023.

After preserving a redshirt in 2024, Johnson produced a dominant final season for the Eagles. He finished 2025 with 49 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and 14 quarterback hurries. His 12 sacks ranked seventh nationally at the FCS level.

Johnson recorded at least one tackle for loss in 11 of his 12 appearances and produced five games with at least two tackles behind the line. He earned First-Team All-MEAC honors and honorable-mention HBCU All-America recognition.

Strengths

Johnson’s greatest strength is his proven ability to finish plays in the backfield.

Many college pass rushers create pressure without consistently recording sacks. Johnson demonstrated that he can close on quarterbacks and complete the play once he defeats the blocker.

He has an advanced understanding of how to attack offensive tackles. Johnson can threaten the outside shoulder, convert speed into power and counter inside when the tackle oversets.

His 18 tackles for loss demonstrate that he is not merely a third-down pass-rush specialist. Johnson can penetrate against the run and disrupt plays before they have time to develop.

He also brings extensive experience. Johnson has played against several offensive styles and should be comfortable rushing from a two-point stance, placing his hand on the ground or moving across the formation.

Weaknesses

Johnson must prove that his FCS production can translate to the Big 12.

The offensive tackles he faces in 2026 will generally be larger, stronger and more technically developed than those he faced in the MEAC. He may not win as many matchups through pure athletic superiority.

His overall length is adequate but not exceptional for an NFL edge defender. Longer tackles could control him if he allows them to establish first contact.

Johnson must also improve his ability to maintain outside contain. Aggressive pass rushers sometimes create running lanes by attacking too far upfield.

At 255 pounds, he may struggle when Big 12 offenses run directly at him with offensive tackles and tight ends.

Professional Future

Johnson has a legitimate opportunity to reach the NFL.

His 12-sack season provides the type of production professional scouts cannot ignore. A strong performance against Big 12 competition could establish that his success was not limited to the FCS level.

His best NFL role may be as a rotational outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense or a designated pass rusher in an even front. Special-teams ability would improve his chances of making a roster.

If Johnson records seven or more sacks for Cincinnati, he could become a late-round draft candidate. A moderate season would still give him a chance to sign as a priority free agent.

Johnson would project as an immediate-impact UFL pass rusher. His experience, production and positional versatility would also create opportunities in indoor football.

Current projection: Late-round NFL Draft or priority-free-agent candidate; potential high-level UFL starter.

Brian Simms III — No. 17

Position: EDGE/Outside Linebacker Height: 6’3” Weight: 240 pounds Class: Senior Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Background

Brian Simms III enters the season as one of Cincinnati’s most experienced returning edge defenders.

Simms was a three-star prospect from national high school power St. Frances Academy in Baltimore. He received offers from several Power Four programs before choosing Cincinnati.

After appearing in two games as a true freshman, Simms played all 12 games in 2024 and made one start. He recorded 17 tackles, half a tackle for loss and one quarterback hurry.

His production increased significantly in 2025. Simms appeared in 12 games with starts against Utah and Navy, finishing with 34 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble.

He recorded a career-high six tackles against Baylor and produced 1.5 tackles for loss against both Nebraska and Northwestern State.

Strengths

Simms has developed into a dependable and versatile defender.

His 34 tackles in 2025 demonstrate that he can contribute against the run rather than functioning exclusively as a pass rusher. He pursues the football well and has enough range to make plays outside the tackle box.

Simms is comfortable playing from a stand-up alignment. That experience should make him a natural fit in Woody’s 3-4 system.

He can rush the quarterback, drop into short coverage and track running backs on zone-read plays. That versatility allows Cincinnati to disguise whether he will rush or retreat after the snap.

Simms also has experience on special teams, which could become an important part of his eventual professional evaluation.

Weaknesses

Simms must become more disruptive.

Two sacks and three tackles for loss represent useful production, but Cincinnati needs more game-changing plays from an experienced edge defender.

At 240 pounds, he lacks the mass to consistently defeat offensive tackles with power. He must win through quickness, leverage and hand placement.

Simms can also become trapped in traffic when offensive linemen reach the second level. He needs to disengage more quickly and avoid allowing blockers to control his chest.

His pass-rush plan remains relatively basic. Developing a more effective counter move would prevent offensive tackles from simply carrying him beyond the pocket.

Professional Future

Simms’ versatility gives him a chance to reach professional football.

NFL teams may view him as a developmental outside linebacker and special-teams player rather than a full-time defensive end. His ability to cover, pursue and rush from multiple alignments could earn him a rookie-minicamp invitation or priority-free-agent contract.

A breakout season featuring five or more sacks would improve his chances considerably.

Simms profiles well for the UFL because he can handle several responsibilities on a smaller roster. He also has the speed and compact frame to become an effective indoor linebacker or edge rusher.

Current projection: NFL rookie-camp or priority-free-agent candidate; strong UFL and indoor potential.

Patrick Bauer — No. 10

Position: EDGE/Defensive End Height: 6’3” Weight: 235 pounds Class: Senior Hometown: Mount Prospect, Illinois Previous School: Illinois State

Background

Patrick Bauer arrives at Cincinnati after helping Illinois State reach the 2025 FCS national championship game.

Bauer redshirted in 2023 before appearing in 12 games during the 2024 season. He recorded 20 tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack. His best performance came against Eastern Illinois, when he produced five tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.

Bauer became a key figure in Illinois State’s defense in 2025. He ranked third on the team with 8.5 tackles for loss and broke up five passes.

He recorded a season-high seven tackles against Oklahoma and registered pass breakups during both the national semifinal and championship game.

Strengths

Bauer is an active, intelligent edge defender.

His five pass breakups indicate good awareness of throwing lanes. When he cannot reach the quarterback, Bauer understands how to get his hands up and affect the play.

He plays with discipline and generally maintains his assignment. That quality could be valuable in a 3-4 defense that asks edge players to make quick decisions after the snap.

Bauer also has experience against high-level competition. His seven-tackle performance against Oklahoma demonstrated that he can remain productive against an FBS offensive line.

His 8.5 tackles for loss show that he can penetrate and create negative plays even without elite sack totals.

Weaknesses

Bauer is light for a Big 12 edge defender.

At approximately 235 pounds, he could struggle when offensive tackles or tight ends run directly at him. Cincinnati may need to use movement or wider alignments to keep him from absorbing square contact.

He has only one confirmed sack across his last two seasons. Bauer must prove that his backfield production can include finishing plays against the quarterback.

He may also lack elite first-step explosiveness. Much of his success comes through effort, recognition and positioning rather than overwhelming athleticism.

Adding functional strength without reducing his quickness will be important.

Professional Future

Bauer’s path to professional football will likely depend on versatility and special teams.

His ability to set the edge, disrupt passing lanes and play within a structured defense could earn him NFL rookie-minicamp consideration.

A strong 2026 season against Big 12 competition would strengthen his argument, especially if he improves his sack production.

Bauer appears to be a natural UFL prospect. His experience in high-stakes FCS playoff games and ability to play multiple edge roles could help him earn immediate playing time.

He may also fit indoor football as a hybrid linebacker who can rush or defend underneath passing routes.

Current projection: UFL prospect with NFL rookie-camp potential.

Jaylon White-McClain — No. 16

Position: Defensive End Height: 6’4” Weight: 275 pounds Class: Fifth Year Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia Previous School: Old Dominion

Background

Jaylon White-McClain is Cincinnati’s largest and most experienced traditional defensive end.

White-McClain played 26 games across three seasons at Old Dominion. He started all 12 games during his final season with the Monarchs and recorded 41 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and two pass breakups.

He previously posted 15 tackles in 11 appearances during the 2023 season.

White-McClain transferred to Cincinnati before the 2025 campaign. He appeared in all 13 games and finished with 17 tackles, half a sack and a forced fumble.

His best performance came against Bowling Green, when he recorded four tackles and forced a fumble.

Strengths

White-McClain has the size to function as a true defensive end in Cincinnati’s 3-4 front.

At 6’4” and 275 pounds, he can align over an offensive tackle, play inside the tight end or reduce toward a guard. That flexibility distinguishes him from Cincinnati’s lighter edge rushers.

He has enough mass to absorb contact and set the edge against the run. Offensive tackles should have more difficulty moving him than they would Cincinnati’s 235- to 255-pound rushers.

White-McClain also brings significant starting experience. He has played extensive snaps and should understand blocking combinations, down-and-distance tendencies and offensive-line protections.

His high school experience on the offensive line may also help him understand how blockers attempt to gain leverage.

Weaknesses

White-McClain has not been a consistently productive pass rusher.

He has recorded only modest sack and tackle-for-loss totals despite playing significant snaps throughout his career.

His heavier frame may limit his ability to threaten offensive tackles with pure speed. He must win through power, hand placement and inside counters.

White-McClain can also play with an elevated pad level. At 6’4”, he must bend his knees and avoid allowing shorter linemen to establish leverage underneath him.

He needs to become more than a sturdy rotational run defender during his final college season.

Professional Future

White-McClain’s size and experience give him professional possibilities.

NFL teams may consider him as a developmental five-technique defensive end capable of playing in an odd front. He must demonstrate improved pass-rushing production and consistent run defense to receive serious consideration.

His measurements could earn him an NFL rookie-minicamp invitation even without major statistics.

White-McClain may be particularly valuable in the UFL, where his ability to play several positions along the defensive front would help a team manage a limited roster.

His size could also make him effective as an interior pass rusher in indoor football.

Current projection: UFL defensive lineman with NFL rookie-camp potential.

Defensive Tackles

Marquaze Parker — No. 4

Position: Defensive Tackle/Defensive End Height: 6’3” Weight: 277 pounds Class: Junior Hometown: West Memphis, Arkansas

Background

Marquaze Parker enters 2026 as one of Cincinnati’s most promising returning defensive linemen.

Parker was a consensus three-star prospect and one of Arkansas’ leading defensive-line recruits. He recorded 8.5 sacks as a high school senior after producing 17 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as a junior.

He appeared in eight games as a freshman at Cincinnati, recording eight tackles, two tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries.

Parker played all 13 games during the 2025 season. He finished with 19 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks before making his first career start in the Liberty Bowl.

He recorded four tackles against Nebraska and produced a solo sack against Arizona.

Strengths

Parker combines youth, experience and positional versatility.

At 277 pounds, he can play defensive end in a three-man front or move inside as an attacking tackle. His body type may make him one of the best natural fits for Woody’s system.

Parker has shown gradual improvement in each season. He progressed from a rotational freshman to a player trusted with a bowl-game start.

His high school sack production and emerging college statistics suggest that he has more pass-rushing potential than many traditional interior defenders.

Parker also moves well for his size. He can pursue plays down the line and attack gaps instead of functioning exclusively as a block occupier.

Weaknesses

Parker is still developing his consistency.

He has flashed disruptive ability but has not yet controlled games for extended stretches. Cincinnati needs him to become a dependable starter rather than a promising rotational player.

At 277 pounds, Parker may be too light to handle frequent double teams as an interior defender. He must use quickness and leverage to avoid becoming stuck against larger guards.

His hand usage also needs refinement. Parker sometimes allows blockers to establish contact before beginning his move.

He must prove that he can maintain production while handling a larger snap count.

Professional Future

Parker has one of the better long-term professional ceilings in the group.

His size, versatility and steady development could eventually make him an NFL prospect. A breakout season with six or more tackles for loss would place him more firmly on professional scouting lists.

He still has time to continue adding strength and developing his technique.

Parker would also project well to the UFL because he can play multiple positions along the front. His movement skills and interior pass-rush potential could translate to arena football.

Current projection: Developmental future NFL prospect with strong UFL potential.

Cam Roetherford — No. 26

Position: Defensive Tackle/Defensive End Height: 6’3” Weight: 280 pounds Class: Fifth Year Hometown: Detroit, Michigan Previous School: Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Background

Cam Roetherford returns after losing the entire 2025 season to a preseason injury.

Roetherford began his college career at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and appeared in 13 games across two seasons.

He transferred to Cincinnati and played 10 games during the 2024 campaign. Roetherford recorded 11 tackles, including a season-high three against Houston.

He also registered two tackles in games against Towson and Pittsburgh.

Roetherford was expected to compete for a larger role in 2025 but did not appear in a game because of the preseason injury.

Strengths

Roetherford gives Cincinnati an experienced interior body with positional flexibility.

At 6’3” and 280 pounds, he can align as a three-technique tackle or as a defensive end in an odd front.

He has experience at both the FCS and Big 12 levels and has spent multiple seasons within Cincinnati’s program.

Roetherford should understand the personnel around him even as the Bearcats install a new defense.

His frame offers enough room for Cincinnati to use him in multiple packages without creating an obvious tendency based on personnel.

Weaknesses

Health is the immediate concern.

Roetherford must prove that he has fully recovered from the injury that cost him the 2025 season. Lower-body explosiveness, conditioning and confidence may take time to return.

He has also recorded limited backfield production. Eleven tackles in 10 games during 2024 were useful, but he did not establish himself as a disruptive player.

Roetherford needs to improve his first-step quickness and ability to disengage from blocks.

At 280 pounds, he may also be caught between positions. He is lighter than a traditional nose tackle but may not possess the speed of a full-time edge defender.

Professional Future

Roetherford’s professional outlook depends almost entirely on his return from injury.

A healthy and productive season could earn him UFL consideration because of his size and experience. He would need a substantial statistical breakout to attract NFL interest.

His versatility could be useful in indoor football, where he could play outside on early downs and reduce inside as a pass rusher.

Current projection: UFL or indoor prospect; possible NFL rookie-camp consideration with a strong comeback season.

Nathan Nunn — No. 96

Position: Defensive Tackle Height: 6’2” Weight: 282 pounds Class: Junior Hometown: Medina, Ohio

Background

Nathan Nunn enters the season as a developmental interior defender competing for meaningful playing time.

Nunn did not appear in a game during his first active season and retained freshman eligibility.

He made his college debut during Cincinnati’s 2025 game against Arizona but did not become a regular member of the rotation.

The former defensive end has continued adding size and enters 2026 at approximately 282 pounds.

Strengths

Nunn has had time to develop physically within Cincinnati’s program.

His previous experience at defensive end may give him more movement ability than a traditional interior tackle. He could potentially offer value as a penetrating three-technique.

At 6’2”, Nunn should be able to play with natural leverage against taller guards.

He also has multiple seasons of eligibility remaining, allowing Cincinnati to develop him rather than demanding immediate star-level production.

The new defensive scheme may provide him with a fresh opportunity to earn a defined role.

Weaknesses

Nunn is almost entirely unproven.

One career appearance provides very little evidence about how he will perform against Big 12 offensive linemen.

He must demonstrate that he can anchor against the run after transitioning from a lighter defensive-end frame.

Nunn also needs to develop consistent hand placement, block recognition and conditioning.

He enters a crowded rotation containing several older players, meaning he must separate himself during practice to earn meaningful snaps.

Professional Future

Nunn is too early in his career for a reliable professional projection.

His size and previous defensive-end background provide an interesting developmental foundation. If he becomes a multiyear starter, his movement skills could eventually attract UFL or NFL interest.

For 2026, his goal is establishing himself as a trustworthy rotational player.

Current projection: Developmental college prospect with future UFL or NFL possibilities.

Elijah Gunn — No. 92

Position: Defensive Tackle Height: 6’0” Weight: 307 pounds Class: Senior Hometown: LaGrange, Georgia Previous School: Southern Illinois

Background

Elijah Gunn provides Cincinnati with a compact and experienced interior defender.

Gunn spent two seasons at Southern Illinois. After redshirting in 2023, he recorded 19 tackles during the 2024 season.

He transferred to Cincinnati before the 2025 campaign and appeared in six games. Gunn combined on a tackle against Northwestern State but did not become a major part of the rotation.

He enters the 2026 season at approximately 307 pounds and will compete for snaps at defensive tackle and nose tackle.

Strengths

Gunn has the build of an interior run defender.

At 6’0” and more than 300 pounds, he possesses a naturally low center of gravity. Taller guards may struggle to gain leverage underneath him.

His compact frame could allow him to hold his position against single blocks and create congestion in the middle.

Gunn also has previous FCS production and a full season of experience within Cincinnati’s program.

His size gives the Bearcats flexibility. He can play defensive tackle in a four-man passing-down front or spell the starting nose tackle in heavier packages.

Weaknesses

Gunn has not produced consistently at the Big 12 level.

He appeared in six games during 2025 but recorded only one assisted tackle. Cincinnati needs him to become more active and finish plays after occupying blockers.

His shorter frame limits his reach. Longer offensive linemen may control him if he does not strike first.

Gunn must also demonstrate improved conditioning. Interior defenders with compact, powerful builds can lose effectiveness when fatigue causes their pad level to rise.

His pass-rushing ability remains largely unproven.

Professional Future

Gunn’s professional path would likely begin in the UFL or indoor football.

His low center of gravity and 307-pound frame could make him useful against the run, but he needs substantially more production to attract NFL attention.

A strong senior season could earn him a professional tryout, especially if he demonstrates versatility at both defensive tackle and nose tackle.

Current projection: UFL or indoor defensive-lineman candidate.

Nose Tackles

Chidera Otutu — No. 11

Position: Nose Tackle Height: 6’1” Weight: 300 pounds Class: Junior Hometown: Pflugerville, Texas Previous School: UTSA

Background

Chidera Otutu enters the season as one of the leading candidates to replace Corleone in the middle of Cincinnati’s defense.

Otutu played all 13 games as part of UTSA’s defensive-line rotation in 2024. He recorded eight tackles, two tackles for loss and one forced fumble.

His role expanded considerably in 2025. Otutu started the final 10 games at nose tackle and finished with 27 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

He transferred to Cincinnati with two seasons of starting experience still potentially available.

Strengths

Otutu has recent starting experience at the exact position Cincinnati needs him to play.

His 27 tackles and 2.5 sacks demonstrate that he can contribute beyond simply occupying blockers.

At 6’1” and 300 pounds, Otutu has a compact build that allows him to play with leverage. He can get underneath taller centers and guards and make himself difficult to move.

His forced fumble and tackles for loss at UTSA show occasional penetration ability.

Otutu also has the athleticism to pursue the football after disengaging. He is not limited to standing directly over the center and absorbing contact.

Weaknesses

Otutu is not exceptionally large for a Big 12 nose tackle.

At 300 pounds, he may struggle against double teams featuring two 315- to 330-pound offensive linemen.

He must improve his anchor and avoid allowing centers to turn his shoulders out of the running lane.

Otutu’s pass-rushing production is encouraging but still modest. He must develop better hand counters when his initial power move is stopped.

He also faces the challenge of learning a new defense while being asked to assume one of the most important positions in the front.

Professional Future

Otutu has legitimate professional potential.

NFL teams value nose tackles who can defend the run while providing occasional interior pressure. His starting experience and compact frame give him a chance to earn consideration.

A strong first season in the Big 12 could place him in the future late-round or priority-free-agent conversation, especially because he may have additional eligibility.

Otutu would be an attractive UFL player because of his experience and ability to play multiple interior techniques.

Current projection: Developmental NFL prospect with strong UFL potential.

Josh Hough — No. 95

Position: Nose Tackle Height: 6’2” Weight: 335 pounds Class: Sixth Year Hometown: Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania Previous Schools: California University of Pennsylvania and Syracuse

Background

Josh Hough is one of Cincinnati’s most intriguing transfer additions.

Hough entered college at Syracuse as a running back after rushing for 2,048 yards and 29 touchdowns during his senior year of high school. Injuries prevented him from appearing in a game during his time with the Orange.

He eventually transferred to California University of Pennsylvania and moved to the defensive line.

Hough recorded nine tackles in 2023 before helping California reach the NCAA Division II playoff quarterfinals in 2024.

His production exploded during the 2025 season. Hough appeared in 13 games and recorded 58 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups and one fumble recovery.

He recorded eight tackles and three tackles for loss against Indiana University of Pennsylvania and finished eight games with at least half a tackle for loss.

Strengths

Hough combines enormous size with unusual athletic experience.

At 6’2” and 335 pounds, he has the mass to occupy double teams and control the middle of the formation.

His background as a 2,000-yard high school running back suggests movement skills uncommon for a player of his current size. Hough understands how ball carriers attack running lanes and has demonstrated the ability to pursue plays.

His 58 tackles are exceptional production for a nose tackle. Hough did not merely occupy blockers; he consistently disengaged and participated in the finish.

The 11 tackles for loss also demonstrate that he can penetrate and disrupt plays in the backfield.

Weaknesses

The level of competition is the major question.

Hough produced dominant statistics in Division II, but Big 12 offensive linemen will be significantly larger, stronger and more technically advanced.

His conditioning will also be tested. Cincinnati may not be able to use him for long stretches without a rotation.

Hough must prove that his movement skills remain effective at 335 pounds. Offensive coordinators may attempt to isolate him in space or use tempo to prevent substitutions.

His injury history from Syracuse must also be considered, although he played complete seasons at California.

Professional Future

Hough is a fascinating professional prospect.

NFL scouts will be interested in his size, production and background. A former running back who becomes a productive 335-pound nose tackle is an unusual developmental story.

If Hough proves that he can anchor against Big 12 double teams, he could earn an NFL priority-free-agent contract or late-round consideration.

His age and lower-level background may limit his draft ceiling, but his clearly defined role gives him a realistic opportunity.

Hough would project as an excellent UFL nose tackle. His power and unusual athletic history could also make him effective in indoor football, although conditioning and roster versatility would be important.

Current projection: NFL priority-free-agent candidate with late-round potential; high-level UFL prospect.

Projected Rotation

Cincinnati’s base 3-4 front could feature Jaylon White-McClain or Marquaze Parker at one defensive-end position, Chidera Otutu at the other interior position and Josh Hough directly over the center.

Thomas Johnson projects as the leading pass rusher from an outside-linebacker or EDGE alignment. Brian Simms III should compete to start opposite Johnson, with Patrick Bauer providing immediate rotational depth.

Otutu and Hough give Cincinnati two different nose-tackle options.

Otutu is lighter and more experienced against FBS competition, while Hough provides greater mass and significantly more recent statistical production.

Parker may become the most versatile member of the rotation. He can play defensive end in the base front before reducing inside during passing situations.

White-McClain gives Cincinnati another larger end, while Cam Roetherford, Nathan Nunn and Elijah Gunn provide interior depth.

The Bearcats’ most athletic passing-down front could feature Johnson and Simms on the edges, with Parker and White-McClain rushing from the interior.

Against physical rushing teams, Cincinnati could place White-McClain and Parker around Hough, creating a three-man front weighing nearly 890 pounds.

Overall Strengths

Cincinnati’s greatest strength is its collection of specialized players.

Johnson is a proven pass rusher, Hough is a massive nose tackle, Otutu has recent FBS starting experience, and Parker can move between multiple positions.

The Bearcats also have substantial experience. Johnson, White-McClain, Roetherford, Hough, Bauer and Gunn have all spent several seasons in college football.

Woody’s 3-4 system should help Cincinnati disguise pressure. The Bearcats can rush Johnson and Simms, drop one of them into coverage or send pressure through an interior gap without changing personnel.

The roster also provides genuine size. Hough weighs 335 pounds, Gunn weighs more than 300, Otutu is listed at 300 and White-McClain provides a 275-pound defensive-end option.

Overall Concerns

The defensive line must replace an established centerpiece without a proven Big 12 star.

Johnson’s 12 sacks came at the FCS level, while Hough’s dominant production came in Division II. Both must demonstrate that their skills translate against Power Four offensive lines.

The returning players also produced modest sack totals in 2025. Simms recorded two, Parker had 1.5 and White-McClain combined on half a sack.

Depth is available, but much of it remains uncertain. Roetherford missed the entire previous season, Nunn has appeared in only one college game and Gunn played sparingly in 2025.

The Bearcats must also adjust to a new defensive coordinator and a substantially different system. Communication between the defensive line, edge rushers and linebackers will be essential.

Run defense may become a concern when Cincinnati uses its fastest pass-rushing package. Johnson, Simms and Bauer are all listed at 255 pounds or lighter.

Professional Outlook

Thomas Johnson currently has the strongest NFL argument because of his 12-sack season, advanced pass-rush production and experience playing multiple edge roles.

Josh Hough may be the most physically unusual prospect. His 335-pound frame, 58-tackle season and previous background as a running back will attract attention if he performs well against Big 12 competition.

Marquaze Parker has the highest long-term upside among Cincinnati’s returning defensive linemen. He has multiple seasons of development remaining and already possesses useful size and versatility.

Chidera Otutu could become a professional nose tackle if he develops into a productive Big 12 starter.

Brian Simms III has a route to the NFL through special teams and positional versatility.

White-McClain, Patrick Bauer, Cam Roetherford and Elijah Gunn currently project more naturally toward the UFL or indoor football. Nathan Nunn remains too early in his development for a firm projection.

Conclusion

Cincinnati’s 2026 defensive line will look significantly different from the group that previously revolved around Dontay Corleone.

The Bearcats no longer have one established interior star capable of commanding the attention of the entire offensive line. Instead, they have constructed a deeper rotation featuring players with clearly defined strengths.

Thomas Johnson gives Cincinnati an accomplished edge rusher after recording 12 sacks at North Carolina Central. Brian Simms III returns as an experienced and versatile defender, while Patrick Bauer brings FCS playoff experience and Jaylon White-McClain supplies size at defensive end.

The interior will be determined largely by the performance of the transfers.

Chidera Otutu has recent starting experience at nose tackle. Josh Hough brings enormous size and exceptional Division II production. Marquaze Parker is a rising returning player, while Cam Roetherford, Elijah Gunn and Nathan Nunn will compete for rotational snaps.

This group’s success will depend on three major questions.

Can Johnson translate his FCS pass-rush production to the Big 12?

Can Hough and Otutu replace Corleone’s presence in the middle?

Can Parker or another returning player develop into a consistent disruptive force?

If the answers are positive, Cincinnati could field a deep and versatile defensive front capable of making Woody’s aggressive 3-4 defense successful.

Johnson has the clearest immediate NFL path. Hough, Otutu and Parker also possess professional upside, while several other members of the rotation could continue their careers in the UFL or indoor football.

The Bearcats may not have a guaranteed NFL Draft selection entering the season, but they possess enough experience, size and specialized talent to become difficult to block.

If the transfer additions handle the increase in competition and the returning players continue developing, Cincinnati’s defensive line could become one of the most improved position groups on the 2026 roster.