James Early
Sophomore edge rusher on Cincinnati's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′3″ · 257 lb · Fort Wayne, IN · North Side
Recruiting
EDGE recruit
No. 1306 nationally · Signed with Cincinnati
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
2 edge rusher on Cincinnati's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 3-star recruit to Cincinnati in 2025.
Buzz vs Tape
Fans warmer than rivals
His own fans are far more bullish than the rival fanbase.
Also worth knowing:
James Early
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
His career
2025
- Signed with Cincinnati3-star out of Fort Wayne North Side
Career arc
Splits & context
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Scott Satterfield
Scheme reads (pass share, tempo, sack rate) need at least 3 team games — 2 games in so far.
Awards
A three-star recruit at defensive lineman for Cincinnati -- now projected as a quality contributor on the defensive line.
He hasn't recorded a college stat yet. Here's what we know about him.
Grades highest in hit power and pursuit.
Cincinnati has produced 7 All-Conference defensive linemen. 4 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2019. Jowon Briggs went on to the NFL out of this room (2024).
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Cincinnati
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Edge · Cincinnati
Returning around him
- 4 Cincinnati players drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: +0 net (23 in / 23 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Cincinnati · Last season: 7-6 (AP #22) · Talent rank #77 · 2026 recruiting class #58
The defensive line · Cincinnati
- #4Marquaze Parker3 tackles for loss · 2025
- #11Chidera Otutu2.5 tackles for loss · 2025
- #17Brian Simms III2 tackles for loss · 2025
- #16Jaylon White-McClain1 tackle for loss · 2025
- #82James Earlyno box-score line yet
16 more on the roster · Cincinnati team page