Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincinnati Football offensive line coach Nic Cardwell joins From The 513 for an in-depth conversation on building culture in the trenches, developing players with confidence, and why effort and finish define the Bearcats’ identity up front.

In this episode, Coach Cardwell shares his journey from App State walk-on to a passionate leader in college football. He opens up about what brought him back to coaching, how he evaluates recruits, and why Cincinnati’s new facilities are a game-changer in the Big 12.

If you're a college football fan, aspiring coach, or someone who believes in coaching the right way—this one's for you.

🎙️ What You'll Learn:

How Cincinnati builds offensive line culture around effort and finish

Why “failure is growth” is central to Cardwell’s coaching philosophy

How to evaluate offensive linemen in the recruiting process

The impact of Cincinnati’s new facilities on player development and recruiting

What it means to leave a legacy as a coach

Walter Stewart is Cincinnati through and through. A former standout defensive lineman for the Bearcats, he’s now leading the next generation as the team’s defensive line coach. In this episode of From The 513, Stewart opens up about his journey from player to coach, why UC still means everything to him, and what fuels the culture of toughness, brotherhood, and development that defines Bearcats football.

He shares his philosophy on competition, his pride in the program’s growth, and how the new Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility is changing the game for UC athletes. From building future pros to building better men, this is one of the most passionate interviews we’ve had yet.

In this episode of From The 513, Tony Pike is joined by Cincinnati safeties coach Adam Braithwaite for an inside look at what it takes to lead and develop the Bearcats’ secondary.

Coach Braithwaite talks through his coaching journey, the importance of the safety position in today’s game, and how Cincinnati’s identity is built on discipline, toughness, and execution. From film study to on-field communication, this conversation highlights the detail and mindset behind Bearcat defense.

🎧 Full episode out now. Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insight from inside Cincinnati Football.

In this episode of From The 513, Tony Pike sits down with Cincinnati Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach Tyson Veidt for an in-depth look at the culture, mindset, and mission behind Bearcats football. Coach Veidt shares how his Ohio roots, mentorship, and early coaching experiences shaped his career — and how he's now building a blue-collar, toughness-driven defense in the Big 12.Topics include:His personal coaching journey and philosophyWhat makes Cincinnati special for recruits and coachesThe value of effort, pursuit, and fundamental developmentWhy Dontay Corleone is the heartbeat of the defenseHow the new indoor facility is changing the gameWhether you’re a Bearcats fan or a student of the game, this conversation offers insight into what it takes to lead a modern college defense.🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth football conversations and Cincinnati insights.Chapters0:00 Coach Veidt's Background and Philosophy5:44 Coaching Philosophy and Defensive Culture9:57 Player Development and Defensive Evolution14:02 Team Leaders and Program Infrastructure

In this exclusive sit-down, we go deep with University of Cincinnati Running Backs Coach Sean Dawkins. From his rapid arrival before spring ball to his deep respect for UC’s running back legacy, Dawkins shares how he's building a culture of toughness, accountability, and explosive playmaking. He talks Evan Pryor’s evolution, how Cincinnati’s offense is changing, the importance of pass protection and catching out of the backfield, and how he's continuing the proud history of Bearcat backs.Coach Dawkins also opens up about his coaching philosophy, the role mentors played in his journey, and why Cincinnati football matters. A must-watch for Bearcat fans and football minds alike.Chapters0:00 Coaching Philosophy and Background4:46 Running Back History and Culture at Cincinnati9:05 Player Development and Expectations13:31 Complete Running Back Skills and Facility Impact📍 Topics covered:– Evan Pryor’s growth & expectations– The RB culture at Cincinnati– Coaching transparency in the transfer portal era– The impact of UC’s new indoor facility– Pass-catching and protection in modern offenses🔔 Subscribe for more Bearcats interviews, stories, and behind-the-scenes access!

In this episode of Let's Reign with Dan Hoard, we sit down with University of Cincinnati Director of Athletics, John Cunningham, for a timely and insightful conversation about the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics.

With major shifts happening across the NCAA: realignment, revenue sharing, NIL, and the future of student-athlete experience. This episode tackles the big questions shaping the future of Bearcats athletics and beyond. Dan and John dive into what these changes mean for UC, how the department is positioning itself in the Big 12, and the vision for sustaining success across all sports.

Whether you're a Bearcat diehard or just trying to keep up with the chaos in college sports, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - John Cunningham

00:00:30 - Indoor Practice Facility & Performance Center

00:05:20 - Baseball Program Turnaround

00:08:50 - Track and Field Program Growth

00:10:00 - Basketball Recruiting and Expectations

00:13:50 - House Settlement and Athlete Compensation

00:21:30 - UC's NIL Program Success

00:23:20 - Fan Experience and LAVA

00:25:45 - Cincy Sports Partners

00:27:14 - Stability in College Athletics

00:30:00 - Personal Reflections on the New Facility

In this episode of The 513 with Tony Pike, we sit down with Eddie Hicks, Cincinnati Bearcats Cornerbacks Coach, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, development, and building a winning mindset.

Tony and Eddie dive into his journey to Cincinnati, what fuels his coaching style, and how he connects with players both on and off the field. With a background as a standout player himself, Hicks brings a unique perspective to the secondary — one rooted in discipline, trust, and relentless preparation.

He breaks down his approach to developing safeties, explains what he looks for on the recruiting trail, and shares stories that reveal the heart behind his coaching. From locker room culture to life lessons beyond football, Hicks offers a compelling look at the values shaping the Bearcats’ defense.

Whether you're a fan, a player, or just love the game, this episode is packed with insight, authenticity, and inspiration.

In this episode of The 513 with Tony Pike, we sit down with Cortney Braswell, Cincinnati Bearcats Linebackers Coach, for a powerful and personal conversation about football, coaching, and the Bearcat brotherhood.

Tony and Cortney discuss what drew him to Cincinnati, the city’s blue-collar tradition, and the everyday energy he brings to the job. From lessons learned during his playing days to the culture being built inside the program, Braswell offers a candid look at what it means to coach with purpose and passion.

He shares his recruiting philosophy, gives a behind-the-scenes look into linebacker meetings, and opens up about his proudest moments as a coach. Whether it's helping players reach the NFL or building real connections with families, Braswell’s impact goes far beyond the field.

Chapters:

On our first episode of From the 513, Tony Pike sits down with Cincinnati Bearcats Assistant Coach and Quarterbacks Coach Pete Thomas for an in-depth conversation about football, coaching, and the Queen City. In this episode, Tony and Pete dive into Pete's journey from playing quarterback to coaching the next generation, the influence of his playing days, and what inspired him to pursue coaching.

They explore his decision to stay in Cincinnati, the culture that defines Bearcats football, and how that shapes the quarterback room. Pete also shares his insights on the Bearcats' pipeline to the NFL, what fans can expect from this year’s offense, and the impact of the new indoor practice facility.

00:00:00 - Pete Thomas

00:00:30 - Influences from Playing Days and Wanting to be a Coach

00:01:30 - Enjoying the city of Cincinnati

00:02:00 - Continuing Your Career at Cincinnati

00:02:48 - What Inspired You To Coach?

00:03:30 - What Translates to Coaching from Playing?

00:05:30 - Culture and Pillars of being a Bearcats' Quarterback

00:10:25 - The Pipeline to the NFL

00:12:30 - This Year's Offensive Power

00:14:00 - Indoor Practice Facility

In this episode of the Let's Reign Podcast, host Dan Hoard sits down with Aimee Ponte and Danijela Tomić to discuss their journeys in sports, coaching, and leadership. From moving to America to making an impact in college athletics, Aimee shares her experiences in golf, while Tomić reflects on her coaching career and the evolution of volleyball.

00:10 - Aimee Ponte

02:13 - Growing up in the U.K.

03:49 - Early Sports Influences

06:24 - Collaboration with Men's Golf Program

09:03 - Impact of New Training Facilities

11:12 - Outdoor Practice Locations

12:31 - Challenges of Northern Climate

14:39 - Attracting International Talent

17:38 - Understanding Player Dynamics

19:45 - Cultural Fit in Team Building

21:21 - Setting Goals for the Upcoming Season

23:17 - Transitioning to a New Program

24:16 - The Impact of the American Dream

28:35 - Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

32:52 - Initial Impressions of Cincinnati

34:25 - The Impact of Jordan Thompson

35:54 - Establishing Program Culture

37:33 - Advocacy for Women in Coaching

38:37 - The Allure of Volleyball

40:37 - Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations