Payne's Season Cut Short: Ankle Injury Sidelines Bearcat

Cincinnati Bearcats running back Gi'Bran Payne was sidelined with an ankle injury during the team's matchup against West Virginia. Payne is confirmed to not return for the remainder of the game.

Before his departure, Payne recorded seven carries for 26 yards. His replacement, Cole Tabb, has since surpassed 100 rushing yards. Payne had entered the game as UC's primary ball carrier, accumulating 392 yards on the season.

Payne, a local talent from La Salle High School, transferred to UC this offseason from Notre Dame. He was notably on the 2025 Comeback Player of the Year Watch list during his time with the Irish. Payne had been with Notre Dame since 2022, with his most productive year in 2023, achieving 168 yards and two touchdowns as a short-yardage specialist. He had previously missed the 2024 season due to injury but played in all 12 games in the prior season, primarily on special teams.

Payne officially joined the Cincinnati program on January 6. During his high school career at La Salle, he was a two-way player and part of their 2019 OHSAA Division II state championship team.