Kansas Jayhawks vs. Cincinnati football: Game prediction, betting odds, TV info
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas enters Saturday's matchup as a 4.5-point favorite over Cincinnati.
- Kansas defense must contain QB Brendan Sorsby, who challenges with dual-threat play.
- Injuries and defensive stats suggest a tight game, but Kansas is picked to cover.
The Kansas Jayhawks football team returns to action on Saturday, with an early kickoff vs. Cincinnati.
KU leads the all-time series 2-1, most recently defeating UC in 2023.
Here’s a closer look at Saturday’s showdown in Lawrence:
KU football vs. Cincinnati game details
Kickoff: 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium (Lawrence)
TV: TNT
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City, Wichita 92.3
Betting line: Kansas is a 4.5-point favorite.
Kansas-Cincinnati game prediction
The spread for this game has shifted significantly. Kansas opened as a 6.5-point favorite before falling to 3.5 and settling at 4.5. Reality is that this game should be competitive no matter who wins.
Cincinnati dual-threat quarterback Brendan Sorsby will be a big test for KU’s defense. This season, Sorsby has 655 passing yards, eight touchdowns and one interception. He’s added 175 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
He presents a challenge similar to Missouri’s Beau Pribula in Week 2. KU limited Pribula to 6 yards on nine carries, but he threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns.
To prepare for Sorsby, KU has used freshman QB David McComb as the scout team quarterback this week. McComb has a big arm and isn’t afraid to tuck it and run — much like Sorsby.
How KU’s defense fares against Sorsby will likely determine the outcome of the game.
On the flipside, Cincinnati’s defense is no joke. The Bearcats rank No. 20 in the country in points allowed per game (13.3). In fact, opposing teams are averaging just 92 rushing yards on 2.6 yards per carry. That said, this will be the best offense UC has faced since playing against Nebraska to open the season.
I expect star quarterback Jalon Daniels to utilize his legs to open up the passing game for KU. Kansas running back Daniel Hishaw is listed as doubtful to play this week, so Daniels and running back Leshon Williams will have to carry the run game.
I expect this game to be competitive throughout, but Kansas is the more talented squad across the board.
For that reason, I believe the Jayhawks will win and cover the spread.
Prediction: Kansas 31, Cincinnati 21
Shreyas’ pick to cover: Kansas (-4.5)
Season record: 4-0
Season record (ATS): 3-1.
This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 9:50 AM.
