Bearcats' Tengesdahl and Stein named Preseason All-Americans by Phil Steele

Per GoBearcats:

Cincinnati redshirt junior offensive lineman Evan Tengesdahl and redshirt senior long snapper Eli Stein have both been named Second Team Preseason All-Americans by Phil Steele, the publication announced recently.

Tengesdahl and Stein were also two of Cincinnati’s eight Phil Steele Preseason All-Big 12 honorees.

Redshirt senior offensive lineman Joe Cotton joined Tengesdahl and Stein on the all-conference first team. Redshirt senior defensive back MJ Cannon and redshirt senior punter Max Fletcher earned spots on the second team, redshirt senior offensive lineman Taran Tyo was placed on the third team, while redshirt senior linebacker Jonathan Thompson and redshirt senior kicker Stephen Rusnak were both picked to the fourth team.

The offensive line trio of Cotton, Tengesdahl, and Tyo comprises one of the nation’s top returning units. Cincinnati’s O-Line allowed the fewest sacks (8) and tackles for loss (43) among Power Four teams in 2025.

Cotton, Fletcher, Stein, and Tyo were all Phil Steele Preseason All-Big 12 recipients last season as well.

PHIL STEELE PRESEASON HONOREES

All-America (2nd Team)

Eli Stein

Evan Tengesdahl

All-Big 12 (1st Team)

Joe Cotton

Eli Stein

Evan Tengesdahl

All-Big 12 (2nd Team)

MJ Cannon

Max Fletcher

All-Big 12 (3rd Team)

Taran Tyo

All-Big 12 (4th Team)

Stephen Rusnak

Jonathan Thompson