REPORT: Gunner Kiel Is Transferring To Cincinnati

Dec 31, 2011; Memphis, TN, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats cheerleaders and mascot perform following the Liberty Bowl against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. The Bearcats defeated the Commodores 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN.com college football reporter Joe Schad broke the news on Wednesday that former Notre Dame quarterback Gunner Kiel is transferring to Cincinnati.

Kiel visited Cincinnati Bearcats spring practices last month, and had UC on a very long short list that included Ball State, Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

The No. 1 rated quarterback in the signing class of 2012 must sit out next season per NCAA regulation. When eligible, Kiel should fit nicely into new Bearcat Tommy Tuberville’s system. Former Auburn Tigers assistant and current UC offensive coordinator Eddie Gran rejoined Tuberville after three seasons working under Jimbo Fisher at Florida State. Gran takes over a Cincinnati team with a pair of senior, dual threat quarterbacks in Brendon Kay and Munchie Legaux.

Tuberville’s Cincinnati predecessor, Butch Jones, operated with a spread offensive philosophy. Tuberville’s Texas Tech teams operated in a modified version of the air raid, posting some of the most prolific passing stats in college football. Seth Doege attempted 541 passes for 4205 yards in 2012.

Turning play calling duties over to Gran suggests a return to Tuberville’s Auburn philosophy. His best team there, in 2004, operated from a very balanced offense under the guidance of current Michigan coordinator Al Borges. Jason Campbell passed for 2700 yards, while the running back tandem of Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown led a 183-yard-per-game ground attack.

Kiel could flourish in a similar, strict Pro Set. In his three seasons at Columbus (Ind.) East High School, Kiel passed for over 7400 yards with 89 touchdowns.