CJ Crite is a rising, freakishly strong playmaker who’s earning real run for Cincinnati
In the 2026 season, CJ Crite has flashed impact-play ability for Cincinnati with an interception in spring practice and another standout takeaway in August camp, while coaches have highlighted his expanded role and elite strength. He entered the program as a consensus three-star recruit and a top-50 linebacker prospect on some boards, but the real separator is his twitchy, physical style and rare power for a young defender. If a team wants a downhill, high-motor linebacker with upside and special-teams value, Crite checks a lot of boxes.
