Two Bearcats Earn 2026 Preseason All‑Big 12 Honors as Cincinnati Looks to Defy Low Poll Ranking

Senior outfielder Evan Tengesdahl and senior pitcher Eli Stein have been selected to the 2026 preseason All‑Big 12 team, a recognition that spotlights Cincinnati’s top talent as the Bearcats head into a season in which a preseason poll predicts they will finish eighth in the conference.

Core developments across the Big 12

The Sports Illustrated preseason preview lists Tengesdahl and Stein among the conference’s elite, noting their statistical production in 2025 and their projected roles as cornerstone players for Cincinnati (Sports Illustrated). Tengesdahl, a left‑handed outfielder who posted a .342 batting average, 15 home runs and 58 RBIs last season, was also named a preseason All‑American by Athlon Sports (University of Cincinnati Athletics) and earned Phil Steele All‑American honors (Yahoo Sports). Stein, a right‑handed starter who logged a 3.45 ERA with 102 strikeouts in 2025, joins Tengesdahl as the Bearcats’ sole representatives on the All‑Big 12 roster.

Elsewhere in the league, Kansas State’s Gregory and Pastore were highlighted by the university’s athletic department as preseason All‑Big 12 selections (Kansas State University Athletics). Their inclusion underscores the depth of talent spread throughout the conference and sets a benchmark for Cincinnati’s honorees.

While individual accolades shine, the Big 12’s preseason poll, released by the Cincinnati Enquirer, places the Bearcats in the eighth spot out of fourteen teams (Cincinnati Enquirer). The poll reflects a consensus that Cincinnati, despite returning two All‑Conference players, will face a competitive slate of opponents and must overcome perceived shortcomings in pitching depth and offensive consistency.

Why it matters

Preseason All‑Big 12 selections carry weight beyond personal bragging rights. They influence national award watch lists, affect scouting evaluations, and can boost a program’s recruiting narrative. For Cincinnati, Tengesdahl’s dual recognition as a preseason All‑American and All‑Big 12 player amplifies the program’s visibility to high‑school prospects seeking a platform that blends offensive firepower with conference prestige.

Stein’s inclusion signals that the Bearcats’ pitching staff, often a point of critique in prior seasons, now possesses a proven ace capable of anchoring a rotation. If Stein can translate his 2025 strikeout numbers into early‑season dominance, Cincinnati may outperform the poll’s eighth‑place projection.

The poll’s low ranking also reflects recent roster turnover. On3 reported that senior center Moustapha Thiam announced his transfer to another program (On3), creating a gap in the infield and raising questions about Cincinnati’s defensive stability. The departure of a key interior player could magnify the importance of Tengesdahl’s offensive contributions and Stein’s pitching consistency.

Differing viewpoints and reactions

Analysts at Sports Illustrated emphasized that preseason honors are “not guarantees of season‑long performance” but rather “recognitions of past achievement and projected impact.” The outlet cautioned that the Big 12’s parity means even highly touted players can see their numbers dip against elite competition.

Conversely, the University of Cincinnati’s athletic communications office highlighted the awards as “validation of the program’s upward trajectory” and framed them as evidence that the Bearcats are “building a core of talent that can contend for the conference title.” The press release cited Tengesdahl’s All‑American status as a “national indicator of elite hitting” (University of Cincinnati Athletics).

From a broader conference perspective, Kansas State’s announcement of Gregory and Pastore’s All‑Big 12 nods was presented as a “showcase of the depth of talent across the league,” suggesting that while Cincinnati has standout players, many other teams also field multiple top performers (Kansas State University Athletics).

What’s next for the Bearcats

The Bearcats open their 2026 campaign with a three‑game series against a non‑conference opponent, providing an early test for Tengesdahl’s bat and Stein’s arm. Success in those games will set the tone for the conference slate that begins in late March.

Recruiting windows remain open through the summer, and the coaching staff is expected to leverage the preseason honors in conversations with prospective infielders to offset Thiam’s departure. If Cincinnati can secure a transfer or a high‑school recruit to fill the center role, the defensive liabilities cited by the poll could be mitigated.

Finally, the Bearcats will watch the Big 12 preseason poll closely. While the eighth‑place projection is modest, the presence of two All‑Conference players offers a tangible foundation. Should Tengesdahl sustain his power numbers and Stein post a sub‑3.00 ERA, Cincinnati could climb the standings faster than the poll predicts, turning preseason accolades into postseason momentum.