Elder star QB Kaden Estep flips commitment to Cincinnati Bearcats

Elder’s star quarterback flipped his commitment from one Southwest Ohio college to another.

Kaden Estep announced his commitment to the University of Cincinnati in a social media post on Nov. 1. The three-star quarterback prospect had previously committed to Miami University in February.

AGTG
Beyond blessed for the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career at The University of Cincinnati!!! 🔴⚫️@CoachPeteThomas@CoachSattUC@GoBearcatsFBpic.twitter.com/PU2YaSrtHq

— Kaden Estep (@estep_2027) November 2, 2026

Estep is likely to finish his career as Elder’s best statistical quarterback in program history. He became the school’s leader in career passing yards during the regular-season finale against Mount Zion Prep, racking up 6,861 yards over three seasons. He surpassed 2016 grad and current Elder offensive coordinator Peyton Ramsey to take the top spot. Estep is also just three touchdown passes away from the career passing touchdowns record, set at 56 by 2010 graduate Mark Miller.

The Panthers’ quarterback has been in the thick of the Mr. Football race in 2026. He’s thrown for 2,523 yards while completing 73.5% of his passes and throwing 26 touchdowns against just three interceptions. Estep has also been dangerous with his legs, totaling 780 yards and eight touchdowns. He led Elder to an 8-2 record and the No. 2 seed in the Division I Southwest region playoffs. Last season, Estep led Elder to an undefeated regular season and the regional finals and was named to the All-Ohio first team.

Flipping his commitment to Cincinnati gives Estep the chance to play at a power conference school. The Bearcats, part of the Big 12, made national headlines with a recent upset against then No. 8 Texas Tech on Oct. 24. Scott Satterfield is in his fourth season as the head coach of the Bearcats, with a 19-24 record over that span. Cincinnati had its best season of his tenure in 2025, finishing 7-6 after being ranked as high as 17th in the AP Poll.

Estep becomes the second high-profile Cincinnati high school recruit to decommit from the RedHawks this season, joining Princeton’s Jordan Hall. Hall flipped to Penn State on Oct. 24. Miami has gone to three consecutive Mid-American Conference championship games, but finished last season 7-7 with a loss to Fresno State in the Arizona Bowl. The RedHawks are 5-3 so far in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Elder star QB Kaden Estep flips commitment to Cincinnati Bearcats