Desmond Ridder played college football at the University of Cincinnati. He was a four-year starter and played well throughout his college career, leading Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff in his final season. Ridder was twice named AAC Offensive Player of the Year and finished his college career with the third-most wins by a quarterback in college football history at 44. He also holds the record for the most total yards in UC history (12,418), which is also first in AAC history.