Tre Tucker was a three-star recruit who joined Cincinnati as a member of their 2019 recruiting class. As a true freshman, he appeared in 14 games in a minimal role (92 receiving yards). In 2020, Tucker finished fifth on the team in both receptions (18) and receiving yards (236), while catching three touchdowns.
The following season, Tucker finished second on the team in receptions (34) and third in receiving yards (426) as future NFL third-rounder Alec Pierce led the receiving core. Tucker's senior season would see him finish as second receiver behind Tyler Scott with 52 receptions for 672 receiving yards and three touchdowns. During his time at Cincinnati, Tucker flashed kick returning ability as he returned 67 kicks for 1670 yards (24.9 per return) and two touchdowns.
