Estep switches from Miami to Cincinnati for final football season
The Elder quarterback, who leads his high school in passing yards, accepted a scholarship offer from the Bearcats after an official visit.
By Rafael Bailey ·
Kaden Estep, the starting quarterback for the Elder Panthers, formally committed to the University of Cincinnati on Sunday night. The announcement follows a period of uncertainty regarding his collegiate destination, as the senior had previously pledged to Miami University in February. Cincinnati extended a scholarship offer to Estep on September 27, prompting the switch.
The decision comes with Estep holding the top passing record in Elder High School history. He has accumulated 6,861 career passing yards and 53 touchdown passes across four seasons. His most recent game was his 35th as a starting quarterback, marking his 40th varsity appearance overall. The Panthers, currently 8-2, will face the Springboro team, 7-3, in a Division I regional quarterfinal this Friday.
Estep’s performance has positioned him as a contender for Ohio Mr. Football honors. He surpassed the 5,000 and 6,000-yard career marks earlier this season. His passing yardage total is 44 completions behind the school’s all-time leader, Peyton Ramsey, who played for the Panthers in 2016. Ramsey is the son of current head coach Doug Ramsey.
Head coach Doug Ramsey praised Estep’s dedication to the program in an October interview. Ramsey noted that Estep’s hard work earned him the status of an elite quarterback. He stated that Estep deserves the recognition he receives and that no other player has contributed more to the team this year.
Estep stands three touchdown passes away from tying Mark Miller for the most career touchdowns in program history, a mark of 56. Longtime assistant coach Craig James, who graduated from Elder in 1993, identified Estep as the first player in the modern era to serve as a two-time team captain. The senior will have one final opportunity to extend these records during the postseason.
The Bearcats visit on Saturday preceded the commitment announcement. Estep’s transition from Miami to Cincinnati closes the chapter on his high school career as he prepares to begin his collegiate journey.
