Watch: Dontay Corleone, Brendan Sorsby, Joe Royer, Gavin Gerhardt Big 12 Media Day Availabilitybiility

by Ryan Roberts July 17, 2025

Joining Scott Satterfield at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, TX were quarterback Brendan Sorsby, defensive tackle Dontay Corleone, offensive lineman Gavin Gerhardt, and tight end Joe Royer.

Dontay Corleone – Defensive Focus & Discipline

Emphasized the need for consistency and discipline: the Bearcats lost several close games last season—often hindered by small penalties like false starts and offsides. He stressed that cutting those errors out in tight matchups is key to winning.
On the new training facility: “It’s a game‑changer… we didn’t have the cryochamber or three cold tubs … it’s a game‑changer for everybody,” highlighting how upgraded recovery resources benefit the team’s performance.
Accolades & Preseason Recognition
- Corleone earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2024 and returns as a preseason All-American candidate and Lott Trophy watch-lister .
- ESPN Big 12 previews describe him as a “potential All-American” whose dominant presence up front is expected to ramp up in 2025 .
Impact & Discipline
- With 26 tackles, 5.0 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks as of last season, his consistency will be crucial for anchoring Cincinnati's run defense.
- He’s openly challenged the team to improve in late-game execution, citing penalties as a “season-changer” and promising disciplined football this year .
Season Outlook
- As one of the few defensive stalwarts returning, Corleone is expected to serve as a disruptive force and locker-room leader on the line .

Brendan Sorsby – Cultural Buy-in & Offensive Explosiveness

On returning despite transfer portal options: “If we didn’t believe in what we had with the staff and everyone coming back … we do believe this team can be successful. We believe these guys can take us to where we need to be and lead this team … That’s why we decided to come back.” This shows strong faith in the program’s direction.
Addressing the need for offensive explosiveness: he’s confident in the influx of speedy, game-changing receivers—joking that “they all will have 900 yards and 10 touchdowns.” And after connecting on a long spring post route, “it will be fun this year”—a sign of confidence in the new weapons.
- Sorsby finished 2024 with a 64.0% completion rate for 2,813 yards, 18 TDs, seven INTs, and added 447 rushing yards with nine scores .
- He flashed big-play ability, including the only FBS QB to have both a 425-yard passing game and a 125-yard rushing game in the same season .
Leadership & Continuity
- The returning QB expressed clear faith in staying at Cincinnati: “I want to be the reason that we’re here in Dallas… playing for a Big 12 Championship” .
- ESPN previewers note the offense will likely “go as QB Brendan Sorsby does,” with added pressure to lead and elevate performance .
Areas to Improve
- Focus areas include turnover avoidance—“just staying consistent… taking care of the football”—and building chemistry with a largely new receiving corps .
- Positional metrics and previews signal that offensive success may hinge on how well Sorsby adapts to personnel turnover and develops the revamped offense .
Season Outlook
- Projections place him as a top-30 QB in the Big 12, with potential to reach All-Big 12 status if he minimizes mistakes and builds effective chemistry with new targets .
- Stringing together wins early in non-conference play could set the tone for bowl eligibility ambitions .

Final Take

Sorsby and Corleone are poised to be the linchpins for Cincinnati’s 2025 campaign:

If Sorsby can build on his dual-threat skills while better protecting the football and connecting with new pass catchers, UC could climb toward bowl contention.
If Corleone lives up to his All-American promise and helps eliminate costly mistakes, the Bearcats’ defense could become their backbone in tight conference games.

Their combined leadership will be vital in converting close losses into wins—and ending a trench toward competitive Big 12 seasons.

Gavin Gerhardt (Offensive Center & Team Captain)

Reflecting on last season

“We weren’t far off at all,” Gerhardt emphasized, pointing to several close losses that could’ve swung the other way.
He noted a simple flip in results could’ve placed Cincinnati at a 9‑3 record: “If you flip that number around, we’re sitting 9‑3 and this conversation might look a little different”

Leadership & Experience

As a two-time team captain entering his sixth season, Gerhardt reflected on the emotional weight of his final year: the event felt “a little emotional,” but his pride in staying at Cincinnati from the start remains strong .
Throughout interviews, he stressed the sense of cohesion and maturity returning veterans bring this year .

Unit Continuity & Depth

He praised the offensive line’s talent and the added depth from transfers. As the returning anchor, he’s taken younger linemen under his wing, building early-season alignment and chemistry .

Joe Royer (All‑Big 12 Tight End)

Media Engagement & Poise

Royer engaged in roughly 15–20 interviews during the event, noting that most questions centered on team readiness and goal.

Embracing the Moment

Acknowledging he’s in his final collegiate season, Royer described the experience as both “tough” and “fun,” especially participating in high-profile moments like Media Days

Locker Room Leadership & Transfer Influence

He’s been active in recruiting new transfers, working to recruit guys like Joe Cotton and Patrick Gurd by "preaching what we believe in and how special this place is"

Resilience After a Disappointing 2024

Asked what sets this year apart, he pointed to "a sense of urgency" in offseason workouts and a collective belief that the team can “compete for a Big 12 championship.” He noted athlete growth after heavy freshman playing time last year, calling the incoming freshmen class “good”

Offensive Outlook & Role

Royer highlighted the evolving offense, mentioning the addition of tight end Patrick Gurd as a versatile piece — capable of blocking in 12-personnel sets or leaking out as a receiver .
He underscored the team’s explosive plan: “You’ll see more explosive plays from our wideouts… more tempo… a great mixture of running and passing.” .
- Passing threat: In 2024, Royer set school records with 50 receptions for 521 yards and 3 touchdowns; he's projected to again lead the tight-end corps in catches and yardage
- His consistent output places him among the top 10 FBS tight ends in targets and yardage
NFL Draft Stock
- Scouting buzz: Royer is rated as a top‑2 tight‑end prospect with an 86/100 grade and projected as a 2nd–mid round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft

Key Takeaways

Gavin Gerhardt brings veteran leadership, perspective on past close losses, and confidence in the offensive line’s continuity.
Joe Royer, a polished team leader, is focused on winning mentality, transfer integration, and being a catalyst for a faster-paced, more explosive offense.

Both players painted a picture of a more mature, united Bearcats squad ready to flip the script and compete at a high level in the Big 12.