Offense
The quarterback room will see a competition between multiple guys. Parker Navarro did it all for the Bobcats and will be missed. Nick Poulos has the most returning experience, even starting a game in 2024. The additions of true freshman Levi Davis and New Hampshire transfer Matt Vezza will each push for the job as well. Vezza was very productive at the FCS level.
The running back room loses a 1,300 yards rusher in Sieh Bangura, but returns Ducan Brune, whose combination of size (218 pounds) and speed (10.85 100 Meters) make him tough to stop. He is also a great pass catcher. UConn transfer Victor Rosa is also one to watch. He has great burst and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Dom Dorwart, Max Rodarte, Delaney Crawford, and Eian Pugh. The additions of Preston Bowman (Kentucky), Ian VerSteeg (Wake Forest), and tight ends Jake Furtney (Illinois), Riley Palmeter (NAIA Marion), and Andrew Metzger (Kansas State) provide this unit with plenty of experience.
The offensive line room returns some experience in Seth Anstead, Tigana Cisse, Josh Waite, and Jarian Shelby. Redshirt freshman Bryce Parson could have a big role. The additions of Trumain Lawson (LIU), Sandro Malicevic (Eastern Illinois), and CJ Dawson (Gardner-Webb) will all see action. This unit will need time to gel.
Defense
The defensive line room returns experience in Evan Hermann, Austin Mitchell, Joseph Marsh, Nehemiah Dukes, Nathan Hale, and Brnadon Weaver. Watch out for redshirt freshman Ike Ackerman. The additions of Isaiah Street (NAIA Marion), Tyler Gillison (Michigan State), and Cassius Hulbert (D2 Tiffin) will all play big roles.
The linebacker room returns production in Jack Fries, Mike Molnar, and Charlie Christopher. All three have starting experience. Youth will need to develop behind them. Wisconsin transfer Cody Raymond should be one of them.
The secondary returns experience in DJ Walker, JT Haskins, and Ronald Jackson Jr. The additions of Darren James-Hamilton (Elon), Barry Dillon (Incarnate Word), KJ Sejour (Chattanooga), and Eli Thompson (Holy Cross) will all see significant playing time.
Specialists
Punter Magnus Haines returns and will be one of the best in the MAC. Kicking duties will belong to Kent State transfer Will Hsyszko, who had a solid year last season. Duncan Brune and Max Rodarte each bring something to the table as return men.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 at Nebraska
- 9/12 Jacksonville State
- 9/19 at South Alabama
- 9/26 Stonehill
- 10/3 at Kent State
- 10/10 Central Michigan
- 10/17 at Sacramento State
- 10/24 Eastern Michigan
- 11/3 at Akron
- 11/10 at Miami (OH)
- 11/17 Ball State
- 11/27 Toledo
Final Analysis
This is the third year in a row with a new head coach in Athens, Ohio. John Hauser takes over and has been on the staff the previous three seasons. Ohio has 40 wins over the past four years, but this is practically a brand-new roster. Sustaining and building off that momentum will be key.
