“I’m a Bearcat.”

That was the one-sentence text message from University of Cincinnati quarterback Gunner Kiel on Sunday morning, amid speculation the former Notre Dame passer could return to the Irish.

Kiel’s name arose amid news that Notre Dame starting quarterback Everett Golson has left the school. Kiel recently transferred from Notre Dame to Cincinnati, where he will sit out 2013 and have three years of eligibility remaining.

Cincinnati football coach Tommy Tuberville said today that Kiel, a 2011 All-USA second-team quarterback, liked his new home with the Bearcats and that speculation of Kiel returning to Notre Dame was unfounded.

“He’s really enjoying it here,” Tuberville said. “Gunner is enrolled with us, and we’re excited about having him.”

Tuberville says he cannot conceive a scenario in which Kiel would return to Notre Dame.

“I don’t know what’s happening at Notre Dame, but I know Gunner is happy with us,” Tuberville said.

Bearcats spokesman Ryan Koslen said Kiel was enrolled in classes, receiving aid and participating in the team’s offseason program.

“We fully anticipate him being part of our team and university moving forward,” Koslen said.

Bill Koch also writes for The Cincinnati Enquirer, a Gannett Company newspaper.

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