This week’s review looks back at a busy week for the University of Cincinnati. While assessing the Cincinnati Bengals’ needs heading into the NFL Draft.

University of Cincinnati drops Men’s Soccer program

1973 was an interesting year for Cincinnati college sports. That was the year Xavier University dropped their football program. It was also the year the University of Cincinnati launched their men’s soccer program. A program dropped last week in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move drew national headlines in the process.

Scholarships for men’s soccer players will still be honored until they graduate. Though players can transfer immediately without any eligibility penalty. It’s unlikely that all the players will stay at UC. Freshman player Ben Hegge told WKRC-TV last week that he might transfer. He likely isn’t the only player weighing that option.

Soccer players have many routes into professional leagues. Unlike American Football, college isn’t soccer’s dominant farm system. With minor leagues, the MLS and other leagues around the world. It’s partly why College Soccer doesn’t have the national following that College Football has. Despite being reasonably dubbed as “the global game.”

Cincinnati Basketball lands two transfers

Men’s soccer being dropped overshadowed a busy week for Cincinnati Basketball. The program brought in two transfers last week. Adding David DeJulius from the University of Michigan. Along with Rapolas Ivanauskas from Colgate University. Ivanauskas is a graduate transfer while DeJulius is a sophomore.

DeJulius and Ivanuskas have relatively impressive basketball resumes. Ivanauskas scored 21 points as Colgate Basketball upset Cincinnati last December. He was the Patriot League Player of the Year in 2019. Helping propel Colgate to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1996. DeJulius was a relatively reliable player off of the bench for Michigan. Ranking third in assists with 1.5 per game last season. Averaging 20.9 minutes and seven points per game.

2020 NFL Draft needs for the Cincinnati Bengals

We are now in the final countdown towards the 2020 NFL Draft. Many expect the Cincinnati Bengals to select Joe Burrow first overall. While the top overall pick is important for the Bengals future. The Bengals have many needs beyond that pick. After all, having the first overall pick is a key sign that vast improvements are needed.

Defensive positions beyond a cornerback is one need for Cincinnati. The Bengals stocked up on cornerbacks through free agency. Cincinnati has a void to fill at linebacker because of Nick Vigil’s departure. Tight end is another position with needs after Tyler Eifert’s departure. Eifert recently signed the Jacksonville Jaguars and Vigil with the Los Angeles Chargers.

For the last two years, the Bengals had to largely manage without A.J. Green. Sidelined by injuries for much of 2018 and all of 2019. Green’s contract status after the 2020 season is also up in the air. Even if Green stays, the Bengals need another reliable wide receiver. Giving Green, Tyler Boyd and other receivers more reliable backup. Along with helping the Bengals starting quarterback is this fall. Whether that quarterback is Andy Dalton or Joe Burrow.