A Cincinnati Bearcats helmet lays on the turf during a spring practice at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, March 24, 2022. Cincinnati Bearcats Spring Practice Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bearcats Add Significant Defensive Playmaker in Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bearcats on SI
By James Rapien | Last updated Jan 9, 2026 11:06 PM ET

The Bearcats' defense got a major boost on Friday when North Carolina Central edge rusher Thomas Johnson signed with UC.

He's a major addition to Cincinnati's roster at a positive of need. The California native had 12 sacks in 2025 and was an FCA All-American.

Johnson finished with 30 tackles (18 for loss) and two forced fumbles. He had a season-high 2.5 sacks against Howard.

He's a redshirt senior and has one year of eligibility remaining.

“As we turn the page to the transfer portal, we're looking for guys like these guys right here, guys with character," head coach Scott Satterfield said after Cincinnati's loss to Navy in the Liberty Bowl. "They're going to show up, love football, love to compete. There’s one portal period, and we're going to get to work when we get back in town.”

Other Additions

The Bearcats made multiple signings in the transfer portal in recent days, including quarterback JC French IV.

French threw for 2,929 yards last year with 20 TDs and eight interceptions last season. He posted a 58.1 overall ESPN QBR (78th nationally) and 67.3 overall grade according to Pro Football Focus grade on 842 snaps. French has 815 career attempts and was a two-year starter for the Eagles, throwing for 5,882 yards and 38 touchdowns. overall. French has a dual-threat profile with 264 career carries for 602 yards and eight touchdowns heading into this last year of eligibility.

The 6-1, 200-pound grad transfer logged a 3.4% big-time throw rate on PFF (75th nationally this past season) and a 2.4% turnover-worthy play rate (84th). Sorsby was top-10 nationally in both marks.

The Bearcats are hoping to continue to add to their roster in the portal after losing significant pieces of their roster, according Sorsby.