Cincinnati's Gunner Kiel rejoins team, will return for senior season

Gunner Kiel is back, and he's sticking around for his senior season.

The Cincinnati quarterback has returned to school after missing the Bearcats' bowl game due to undisclosed personal reasons. Not only is Kiel back in school for the spring semester, but he's also staying with the program next year to play his senior season.

"Gunner Kiel is back in school and he's doing well, after his personal problems," head coach Tommy Tuberville told the media Sunday. "We're excited to have him back on the team."

Despite missing multiple games due to injury, the much-traveled quarterback still threw for 2,777 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2015. Kiel has already obtained his degree, but is allowed to return as a graduate student for his senior season.

"He was a few days late for classes but he is in school," Tuberville said. "He does have his degree and he's working hopefully towards his Master's in the future. He's got a great attitude. Obviously he's disappointed he didn't get to play in the bowl game, but personal matters come first. He's got new life in his eyes."

Despite posting gaudy numbers over the last two years, Tuberville said the Indiana native is not guaranteed the starter's spot in 2016. Redshirt freshman quarterback Hayden Moore filled in admirably for Kiel during his absence this season.

"As I told him, he'll start from the bottom and work back up," Tuberville stated. "We all know what he's done over the last couple years. He's had some highlights and some lowlights. He's got the potential, but again, this is his last and senior year coming up. I expect him to be a leader."

The Bearcats open the 2016 campaign at home against Tennessee-Martin on Sept. 1.