Desmond Ridder, a Saint Xavier class of 2017 graduate, has made a name for himself in the world of college football. Ridder is the starting quarterback for the No. 8 ranked Cincinnati Bearcats. The senior is not only Cincinnati’s team captain, but he also currently has the sixth-best odds to win the historic Heisman Trophy. 

Ridder burst onto the scene during his freshman year, where he won the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Rookie of Year award. However, last season he began to receive a lot more notoriety. Last season’s accomplishments include his 8-0 regular season record, an AAC title (including the championship game MVP), an AAC Offensive Player of the Year trophy, and he led the Bearcats to a New Year’s Six Bowl appearance — Cincinnati traveled down to Atlanta as a huge underdog and took on the No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs in the Peach Bowl, losing the game 24-21.  

Ridder currently stands as the No. 2 passer in Cincinnati school history with over 7,600 yards, but he’s not only known for his passing ability. The dual-threat quarterback holds the record for the most rushing touchdowns in school history with 24 and counting.

Ridder is also approaching the 40 passing touchdowns-40 rushing touchdowns record. Only 17 players have achieved the feat before, and Ridder is already over halfway there with 64 passing touchdowns. He is 16 rushing touchdowns away. 

Ridder is primed for a fantastic senior season as the Bearcats have started out the season in a phenomenal fashion with a 3-0 record. The star quarterback is all over NFL mock drafts and has a chance to be a first round draft pick.

Cincinnati is favored to win the AAC again, and they are looking to get a bid to the College Football Playoffs. The Bearcats next game is a top-15 matchup against the No. 12 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend.