247 Sports has us on there "way to early" top 25
 

#25 Cincinnati Bearcats

"What Luke Fickell’s accomplished at Cincinnati in just two seasons is remarkable. Don’t expect the Bearcats to take much of a step back after an 11-win season. Cincinnati brings back 13 starters, including standout freshman quarterback Desmond Ridder (20 TDs, 5 INTs, 62.4 CMP%) and running back Michael Warren (1,329 yards, 19 TDs). The real test for Fickell will be replenishing his starting fronts. Four starting offensive linemen and all three starting d-linemen, including star tackle Cortez Broughton (18.5 TFL), are on the way out. Fickell’s recruited well, and there is some experience behind that departing wave to help mitigate the learning curve, especially on defense."

Nice to get come respect early.

https://247sports.com/LongFormArticl.../#127471431_10