Two native Cincinnatians on the UC Bearcats football team have been named to the All-Big 12 preseason team
FRISCO, TX – A pair of native Cincinnatians have been recognized and named to the All-Big 12 preseason football team. Dontay Corleone and Joe Royer were announced as Big 12 elite Monday, July 7.
2025 PRESEASON ALL-BIG 12 TEAM@JoeRoyer25 + @dontaycorleone2
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) July 7, 2025
📝 » https://t.co/GX6by3OdJdpic.twitter.com/AO0g4KNOO7
The Colerain and Elder high school alumni, respectively, are also taking part in Tuesday's Big 12 Media Days, powered by Microsoft Copilot, alongside teammates Gavin Gerhardt, Brendan Sorsby and head coach Scott Satterfield.
Who is Cincinnati Bearcat football's Dontay Corleone?
Colerain High School's Dontay Corleone, whose nickname is The Godfather, began his career as the highest-graded defensive lineman by Pro Football Focus in 2022. He's since become a two-time All-American and an ambassador for the University of Cincinnati.
This is the final season in red and black for the 6-foot-1, 325-pound nose tackle who often is double and triple-teamed.
Who is Cincinnati Bearcat football's Joe Royer?
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Elder High School grad returned to Cincinnati from Ohio State and flourished as a Bearcat last season. His 50 receptions broke the single-season record for UC tight ends previously held by current Kansas City Chief Travis Kelce.
The Ringer draft analyst Todd McShay, formerly of ESPN, has projected Royer to be a first-round draft pick in 2026. Royer had offers to attend the Reese's Senior Bowl to enter the 2025 draft but quickly decided to return for one more run in his hometown, like Corleone.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: University of Cincinnati football's Corleone, Royer named All-Big 12
Category: General Sports
