Desmond Ridder was an eventual starter for the Cincinnati Bear Cats after being redshirted his freshman year. After starting 11 games in 2018, Ridder proved to be a dual threat quarterback and was named AAC Rookie of the Year.
Ridder then led the Bear Cats to their 2nd consecutive 11 win season, all while fighting injuries and proving his toughness on the field. By the end of his college career, Ridder had amassed a total of 10,239 yards passing with 87 touchdowns, as well as 2,179 yards rushing with 28 touchdowns, and he finished in 8th place in Heisman Trophy voting in the 2021 season.