Eli Stein gives Cincinnati a proven, high-level long snapper with national upside
In the 2025 season, Eli Stein arrived at Cincinnati as a battle-tested specialist with SEC experience, a Freshman All-SEC nod in 2022, and two appearances on the Patrick Mannelly Award watch list for elite long snappers[1][3]. He was ranked as high as the No. 2 long snapper prospect nationally coming out of high school, and Cincinnati views him as a stabilizer on special teams who already has chemistry with punter Max Fletcher[1][3]. For a team that wants clean operations, veteran poise, and zero-drama snaps, Stein is a strong fit — and in 2026 he even earned Phil Steele preseason All-America recognition[15].
