Welcome back fans for another season of Ohio football!
When last we saw the ‘Cats in 2024, they were putting the final brushstrokes on a masterpiece.
Playing arguably six of their finest consecutive quarters of football in recent memory, Ohio dominated talented rivals Miami Redhawks 38-3, winning their first MAC championship title since 1968. The Green and White followed that performance by racing out to a 27-7 halftime lead over a nine-win Jacksonville State squad en route to their sixth-straight
bowl win.
As the bowl game streak suggests, a standard of excellence has been established for football in Athens, Ohio.
Can the ‘Cats continue their winning ways? I’m not a betting man but if I were, I’d push my chips in on yes. As we shall see though,Ohio will face some challenges in doing so this year with changes at the top of the organization and coaching staff. We take a look at those changes followed by the state of the offense, defense, and special teams as we move towards the season opener.
What’s New?
For the first time since 2005, Ohio enters a season where Tim Albin is not a key player in the Bobcats’ fortunes, as he departed shortly after the 2024 championship game to accept a new journey as head coach with the Charlotte 49ers.
However, Albin’s legacy is cemented as part of the standard of excellence with a run as offensive coordinator that saw some of Ohio’s most prolific offenses in program history. As head coach for the last four seasons, Albin guided the ‘Cats to three straight double-digit winning seasons for the first time in program history, including two title appearances with one conference crown.
Another recent change at the top is the loss of successful Athletic Director Juile Cromer, who took her talents to LSU, becoming the Executive Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Tigers.
A national search is currently underway for Cromer’s successor.
Similar to how Albin replaced Frank Solich upon his retirement, Ohio opted to replace Albin from within, promoting offensive coordinator Brian Smith. Ohio’s new leader has been with the squad since the 2022 season and is steeped in, and helped enhance, the Bobcats’ winning culture. Smith picked up his first win as Ohio’s head coach in the 2024 Cure Bowl victory.
Predictably, with the change in head coach, there has been some attrition and acquisition with the coaching staff on both sides of the ball. Joining Albin in Charlotte for 2025 are offensive line coach Allen Rudolph and tight ends coach Brian Metz. 2024 Bobcat linebackers coach Nate Faanes and defensive line coach Kurt Mattix also join Albin, promoted respectfully to defensive coordinator and co-defensive coordinator.
New on the Ohio coaching staff for 2025 is offensive line coach Tavita Thompson, who served at the same role with Central Michigan for the last seven seasons. Ohio charged long-time offensive assistant Kyle Obly with tight end coach duties, adding Blair Cavanaugh as running backs and special teams coach. Defensively, Ohio signed veteran coaches Jeff Phelps (pass rush/defensive line) and Chris Woods (linebacker) to replace Mattix and Faanes.
Regarding the player roster, the major changes are fresh faces on the offensive line as the ‘Cats field four new starters. Defensively, Ohio’s starting defensive line and linebackers will be new starters too.
Such a situation could be cause for concern but there is reason for optimism. As we saw last year, Ohio was able to use the transfer portal to seamlessly integrate new players into their existing lineup to win a title.
With that said, let’s take a look at the 2025 units.
Offense
| Stat | Total | MAC Rank (of 13) | National Rank (of 134) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Yards Avg. | 192.4 | 7 | 104 |
| Passing TDs | 15 | 11 | t-103 |
| Completion % | 62.9 | 4 | 46 |
| Rush Yards Avg. | 213.1 | 1 | 12 |
| Rushing TDs | 35 | 1 | t-9 |
| Total Offense Avg. | 405.6 | 1 | 50 |
| Points Per Game | 29.3 | 1 | 54 |
| Turnovers | 22 | t-11 | t-105 |
| Sacks Allowed Avg. | 1.5 | 2 | t-40 |
| Tackles-for-loss Allowed Avg. | 5 | 3 | t-47 |
| Third-down % | 47.6 | 1 | 11 |
| Fourth-down % | 60 | 4 | t-38 |
(Note: Reason for change in parentheses. School names indicate schools transferred to or from.)
- Key Arrivals: T Shedrick Rhodes Jr. (Rutgers), RB Sieh Bangura (Minnesota), C Nick Marinaro (Dartmouth, FCS), T Andres Dewerk (Appalachian State), WR Colton Grover (South Dakota Mines), QBs Tim Carpenter (Tulsa) and Hype Grand (freshman), G Josh Waite (Shippenburg, D-II)
- Key Departures: C Parker Titsworth (graduate), WR Coleman Owen (graduate, Indianapolis Colts), Anthony Tyus III (graduate, Seattle Seahawks), RG Christophe Atkinson (graduate), RT Jacob Dennison (Wake Forest), G/T Carson Heidecker (graduate), RB Ricky Hunt (Middle Tennessee State), RB Nolan McCormick, OL Joe Habinowski (Middle Tennessee State)
- Key Incumbents: QBs Parker Navarro and Nick Poulos, G/T Davion Weatherspoon, TE Mason Williams, WRs Chase Hendricks, Rodney Harris II, Max Rodarte, Eammon Dennis, Eian Pugh, Caleb Gossett, RB Duncan Brune, RT Jordan Jones, G Trent Allen, TE Jake Bruno, T Ben Maldonado, G Tigana Cisse
Ohio’s offense returns an experienced and accomplished group of starters at the “skill positions” for 2025, beginning with 2024 second-team all-MAC QB Parker Navarro.
Navarro is a top-notch competitor who blossomed into one of the MAC’s elite dual-threat QBs in his first year as a starter. Navarro’s performance in the 2024 MAC Championship, beating some of the MACs best defenders in one-on-one battles shows a level of athleticism difficult for even talented opponents to defend.
Ohio boasts perhaps the most well-rounded and experienced duo in the MAC at wide receiver in Chase Hendricks and Rodney Harris II, who have a combined 49 appearances with the club. Either one can carry the load through the air but when there is a big run in the ground game, Hendricks, Harris II, or both will be doing something special without the ball to help the cause.
With the loss of Colemen Owen to graduation, a player like Max Rodarte (six catches, 80 yards, TD) has a chance to make an impact after appearing in 11 games last year.
If “past is prologue,” look for speedy wideout Eamonn Dennis to get some splash plays on the ground, through the air, or on special teams, as he showed versatility and blazing speed last year including a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown.
Former ‘Cat and 2022 MAC Freshman of the Year running back Sieh Bangura returns after a gap year in Minnesota, looking to build on his resume. Bangura is a proven runner for Ohio, racking up almost 2,000 career yards with 22 touchdowns during his last stop in Athens, Ohio.
With graduation and transfer losses and Ohio’s historic use of multiple backs, keep an eye on riser RB Duncan Brune. Last year, Brune appeared in all 14 games with the ‘Cats as true freshman and has an opportunity for an enhanced role this year.
Like Brune and Chase Hendricks, redshirt sophomore tight end Mason Williams earned significant playing time early in his career and the arrow is pointing up for 2025. Williams is a well-rounded player who can run block as required in a Bobcat offense but also displayed soft hands, balance, and agility in the pass game at times like his 15-yard touchdown catch and run in the 2024 title game.
The key change for 2024 is a Bobcat squad looking to replace four accomplished starters along the offensive line, including program staple center Parker Titsworth. Last year’s Toledo Rockets squad had some growing pains while breaking in a new group, which resulted in a down year for the perennial MAC favorites, but I think the prospects for Ohio’s offensive line are better than Toledo’s turned out to be.
First, Ohio returns versatile playmaker guard/tackle Davion Weatherspoon, who started both at interior line and left tackle last year to get the best five on the field. Weatherspoon has a shot to be one of the Conference’s best linemen based on what we saw last year and with another offseason of development under his belt.
Weatherspoon will probably kick back inside this year with the return of Shedrick Rhodes Jr, who rejoins the Bobcats after a season with Rutgers. Rhodes Jr.’s brings extensive experience in 37 appearances with the Bobcats, with many starts at right tackle though he can play left tackle.
The rest of the offense line are camp battles with the names written in pencil in the season opening roster. Jordan Jones and Trent Allen return after appearing in most games last year with significant reps due in part to injuries, so they may be ready to step up in 2025 at tackle and guard, respectively. Tackle Andres Dewerk brings excellent length at six-foot-seven and can push for snaps.
Graduate transfer Nick Marinaro will be a candidate to replace Titsworth at center.
Defense
| Stat | Total | MAC Rank (of 13) | National Rank (of 134) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Yards Allowed Avg. | 212.6 | 7 | 50 |
| Passing TDs Allowed | 16 | t-3 | t-36 |
| Completion % | 61.1 | 7 | 75 |
| Rush Yards Allowed Avg. | 90.6 | 1 | 5 |
| Rushing TDs | 14 | 2 | t-19 |
| Total Defense Avg. | 303.1 | 1 | 13 |
| Points Per Game Allowed | 18.1 | 1 | t-12 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 4 | t-43 |
| Sacks | 35 | 2 | t-37 |
| Tackles-for-loss | 93 | t-1 | 32 |
| Third-down % | 37.4 | 6 | 54 |
| Fourth-down % | 47.8 | 4 | 36 |
- Key Arrivals: LB Cameron Hollobaugh (Walsh, D-II), LB Makel Williams (Fort Hayes State), DL Anas Luqman (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), DT Nehemiah Dukes (Youngstown State, FCS), DL Pius Odjugo (Central Michigan), NB/DB Ricky Hyatt Jr. (South Alabama), EDGE Joseph Marsh (Boise State), EDGE Evan Herrman (Vanderbilt), DB Jaymar Monday (WKU), DB Ronald Jackson Jr. (ODU), DL Ike Ackerman (freshman), DT Brandon Weaver (freshman), CB, Bobby Miller (freshman)
- Key Departures: CB Roman Parodie (graduation, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), DE Bradley Weaver (Rutgers), LB Blake Leake (graduation) LB Shay Taylor (Charlotte), SAF Dustin Johnson (graduation), EDGE Marcel Walker-Burgess (graduation), EDGE Ben McNaboe (graduation), DT Cam Rice (Maryland), DT CJ Doggette (FAU), LB/DE Kadin Schmitz (Charlotte), DT Bralen Henderson (Missouri), SAF Austin Brawley (New Mexico), LBs Stellan Bowan and Parker Startz (Charlotte)
- Key Incumbents: CB Tank Pearson, SAF DJ Walker, SAF Adonis Williams, CB Michael Mack II, DT RJ Keuchler, DE Walter Bob Jr., DE Kaci Seegars, LB Michael Molnar, LB Jack Fries, CB Tony Mathis, DTs Austin Williams and Nathan Hale, S Jalen Thomeson
One important story for ‘Cats fans in 2025 is John Hauser’s return as defensive coordinator. Since arriving in 2022 as safeties coach and then being promoted defensive coordinator, Hauser has been instrumental in the team’s success, helping to forge some of the conference’s top defenses en route to 31 wins and a conference title in the past three years.
Hauser’s task will be somewhat similar to last year: attempting to integrate new talent into the existing framework. Fortunately, the Bobcats return what is on paper as talented a secondary as there is in the MAC, with multiple All-MAC candidates ready to do their thing.
Tank Pearson returns at cornerback after an impact 2024 where he led the team with four interceptions, contributing seven passes defensed and 50 tackles.
DJ Walker returns looking to build on last season where his play was good enough to earn him second-team all-MAC honors. Fellow safety Adonis Williams Jr. is one of the more versatile defensive backs in the MAC, with his size (six-foot-two, 221 lbs.) and high football IQ, among other factors, giving Ohio a lot of options.
Nickelback Ricky Hyatt Jr. and cornerback Michael Mack II are seasoned veterans, with Hyatt Jr. appearing in over 30 games for South Alabama and Mack II starting several games at Air Force and ten game appearances last year with Ohio.
The major changes are in the linebacker group where four players departed to join coaches Albin and Faanes in Charlotte, including 2024 star Shay Taylor. Ohio added to potential starters from the portal in linebackers Cameron Hollobaugh (122 total tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and a blocked kick in ’24 for Walsh) and Makel Williams (88 tackles, five TFLs, four pass PBUs in ‘24 for Fort Hays State), both accomplished starters at the Division II level. Hollobaugh and Williams join incumbents Michael Molnar and Jack Fries to form the core, with younger players in support.
An intriguing group this year to watch the defensive line due significant turnover. In 2024, Ohio terrorized opponents in part by fielding a deep line group which kept rested/fresh players in rotation. Looking at the departures, Ohio lost at least six contributors but may just reload here with fresh talent fortifying returning players including experienced transfer portal additions like DL Anas Luqman, DT Nehemiah Dukes, and DL Pius Odjugo (Central Michigan).
The additions are joined by some proven rotational players starting with defensive end Kaci Seegars, who has appeared in more than 20 games the last two seasons. Part-time players in 2024 like DE Walter Bob Jr. and defensive tackle Nathan Hale should get a shot at increased roles while young, promising players like DTs RJ Keuchler and Austin Mitchell may find expanded roles.
Special Teams
| Stat | Total | MAC Rank (of 13) | National Rank (of 134) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 81.3 | t-5 | 39 |
| Extra Point % | 97.9 | 5 | 70 |
| Punts Per Game | 4.3 | 9 | 55 |
| Yards Per Punt | 40.5 | 9 | 109 |
| Kickoff Return Avg. | 21 | t-5 | 51 |
| Punt Return Avg. | 7.3 | 7 | 75 |
Key Arrivals: Punters Kolten Bartles (freshman) and Magnus Haines (graduate transfer), Kickers David Dellenbach (UCLA), Britton Watts (sophomore), long snapper Dominic Konopka (Marshall)
Key Departures: Kicker Gianni Spetic (Memphis), punter Jack Wilson (graduation), long snapper Colby Garfield (Charlotte)
Key Incumbents: Kicker Alex Kasee
New Special Teams Coordinator Blair Cavanaugh will have some things to sort through as we approach the 2025 season, breaking in new starters at both kicker and punter with the departures of Spetic and Wilson.
Alex Kasee has the most Bobcat experience appearing in 13 games as a true freshman kickoff specialist before redshirting last year. Expect some younger players to push for time in kicker David Dellenbach and punter Kolten Bartles.
One thing to watch again this year is how special teams units play out. With so many new starters at linebacker and defensive line, the ‘Cats may have to rely on some younger players to step into special teams roles early.
Outlook
The loss of Albin and company won’t be easy to overcome but I think there is enough returning in the coaching staff and core group of players to carry the torch forward, assimilating this new batch of key transfer players into the fold.
Early sledding may be tough with a starting schedule of Rutgers, West Virginia, then third-ranked Ohio State; but I expect the Bobcats will start to gel approaching conference play. Look for the ‘Cats to be competing for another title bid in November 2025 if they find their footing early enough in MAC play.
Schedule
All dates and times are current as of publication.
| Week | Opponent | Date | Time (All ET) | TV/Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | @ Purdue | Thur. Aug. 28 | 6:00 p.m. | Big Ten Network |
| 2 | West Virginia | Sat. Sept. 6 | 4 p.m. | ESPNU |
| 3 | @ Ohio State | Sat. Sept. 13 | 7 p.m. | Peacock (stream exclusive) |
| 4 | Gardner-Webb (FCS) | Sat. Sept. 20 | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| 5 | Bowling Green | Sat. Sept. 27 | TBA | TBA |
| 6 | @ Ball State | Sat. Oct. 4 | Noon | CBS Sports Network |
| 7 | BYE | |||
| 8 | Northern Illinois | Sat. Oct. 18 | TBA | TBA |
| 9 | @ Eastern Michigan | Sat. Oct. 25 | TBA | TBA |
| 10 | BYE | |||
| 11 | Miami [OH] | Tues. Nov. 4 | 7 p.m. | Choice (ESPN2 or CBSSN) |
| 12 | @ Western Michigan | Tues. Nov. 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Choice (ESPN Networks) |
| 13 | UMass | Tues. Nov. 18 | 7:00 p.m. | Choice (ESPN Networks or CBSSN) |
| 14 | @ Buffalo | Fri. Nov. 28 | Noon | Choice (ESPN Networks or CBSSN) |
| 15 | MAC Championship | Sat. Dec. 6 | Noon | ESPN |
