2025 Ohio Bobcats football team

2025 Ohio Bobcats football
Conference	Mid-American Conference
Record	1–1 (0–0 MAC)
Head coach	Brian Smith (1st season)
Offensive coordinator	Scott Isphording (4th season)
Offensive scheme	Spread option
Defensive coordinator	John Hauser (2nd season)
Base defense	4–2–5
Home stadium	Peden Stadium
Seasons ←  2024 2026 →

2025 Mid-American Conference football standings

v t e	Conf.							Overall
Team		W		L					W		L
Bowling Green		0	–	0					1	–	1
Buffalo		0	–	0					1	–	1
Central Michigan		0	–	0					1	–	1
Kent State		0	–	0					1	–	1
Northern Illinois		0	–	0					1	–	1
Ohio		0	–	0					1	–	1
Toledo		0	–	0					1	–	1
Akron*		0	–	0					0	–	2
Ball State		0	–	0					0	–	2
Eastern Michigan		0	–	0					0	–	2
Miami (OH)		0	–	0					0	–	2
UMass		0	–	0					0	–	2
Western Michigan		0	–	0					0	–	2
Championship: December 6, 2025
* Ineligible for postseason play due to low APR score As of September 7, 2025

The 2025 Ohio Bobcats football team represents Ohio University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 2025 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Bobcats are led by Brian Smith in his first year as the head coach. ^{[1] [2]} The Bobcats play home games at Peden Stadium, located in Athens, Ohio. ^[3]

Ohio entered the season coming off of 2024 season with a school record 11 wins and three straight seasons with at least 10 wins. ^{[4] [5]} The Bobcats are the defending MAC Champion after Ohio avenged its only MAC regular season loss with a 38–3 win over rival Miami in the 2024 MAC Championship Game. ^{[6] [7]} They won the MAC Championship for the first time since 1968. ^[8] Ohio entered the season on an FBS leading seven game winning streak and a six game winning streak in bowl games after defeating Conference USA Champion Jacksonville State in the Cure Bowl. ^{[9] [10]} Brian Smith enters his first full year as head coach after earning his first win in the bowl having replaced Tim Albin after Albin took the head coach position at Charlotte. ^{[11] [12] [13]}

Ohio entered the season ranked 94th out of 135 FBS teams and fourth in the MAC in returning production as determined by the SP+ rankings. ^[14] Among the returners is starting quarterback Parker Navarro who entered the year with a 12–2 record as a starting quarterback. ^[15] After a somewhat sluggish start, Navarro caught fire during the 2024 season ending seven game winning streak. ^[16] Navarro won MAC Offensive Player of the week four times in the regular season and again in the MAC Championship and was MVP of the bowl win. ^{[17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22]}

Ohio opened the season at Big Ten opponent Rutgers. ^[23] After falling being by 17 following a blocked punt late in the second quarter, Ohio tied the game in the second half but could not get the win as the Scarlet Knights won 34–31 with a 4th quarter field goal. ^[24]

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Site	TV	Result	Attendance	Source
August 28	6:00 p.m.	at Rutgers *	SHI Stadium Piscataway, NJ	BTN	L 31–34	46,907	[25]
September 6	4:00 p.m.	West Virginia *	Peden Stadium Athens, OH	ESPNU	W 17–10	26,740	[26]
September 13	7:00 p.m.	at Ohio State *	Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH	Peacock
September 20	3:30 p.m.	Gardner–Webb *	Peden Stadium Athens, OH	ESPN+
September 27		Bowling Green	Peden Stadium Athens, OH
October 4	12:00 p.m.	at Ball State	Scheumann Stadium Muncie, IN	CBSSN
October 18	3:30 p.m.	Northern Illinois	Peden Stadium Athens, OH
October 25		at Eastern Michigan	Rynearson Stadium Ypsilanti, MI
November 4	7:00 p.m.	Miami (OH)	Peden Stadium Athens, OH (Battle of the Bricks)	ESPN2/ESPNU
November 11	7:30 p.m.	at Western Michigan	Waldo Stadium Kalamazoo, MI	ESPN2/ESPNU
November 18	7:00 p.m.	UMass	Peden Stadium Athens, OH	ESPN2/ESPNU/CBSSN
November 28	12:00 p.m.	at Buffalo	UB Stadium Buffalo, NY	ESPNU/CBSSN
*Non-conference game Homecoming All times are in Eastern time Source: [27] [28]

Preseason

The MAC Football Kickoff was held on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan from 9:00 am EDT to 1:30 pm EDT. ^[29] Ohio was represented by Head Coach Brian Smith, quarterback Parker Navarro, and safety DJ Walker. ^[30]

MAC coaches preseason poll

On July 24 the MAC announced the coaches preseason poll. ^[31] Ohio was picked to finish third in the conference. ^[32] They received three votes to win the MAC Championship. ^[33]

Preseason award watch lists

Award	Player	Position	Year	Ref
Maxwell Award	Parker Navarro	QB	Gr.	[34] [35]
Jim Thorpe Award	Tank Pearson	QB	Gr.	[36] [37]
	DJ Walker	S	RS-So.
Walter Camp Award	Parker Navarro	QB	Gr.	[38] [39]
Davey O'Brien Award	Parker Navarro	QB	Gr.	[40] [41]
John Mackey Award	Mason Williams	TE	RS-So.	[42] [43]
Bednarik Award	DJ Walker	S	RS-So.	[44] [45]
Manning Award	Parker Navarro	QB	Gr.	[46] [47]

Game summaries

at Rutgers

See also: 2025 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team

Pregame line	Over/under
Rutgers -15.5	53.5 [48]

Ohio Bobcats (0–0) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (0–0) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bobcats	7	10	14	0	31
Scarlet Knights	7	24	0	3	34

at SHI Stadium • Piscataway, New Jersey

• Date: August 28 ^[49]
• Game time: 6:00 p.m. EDT ^[50]
• Game weather: sunny, Temperature:77 °F (25 °C), Wind: SW 7mph
• Game attendance: 46,907
• Referee: Mark Kluczynski (B10) ^[51]
• TV announcers (BTN ^[52] ): Jason Horowitz (play-by-play), Brock Vereen (analyst), and Caroline Hendershot (sideline reporter) ^[53]
• Ohio notes, Rutgers notes • boxscore

Game information

First quarter (09:52) RUTG – Antwan Raymond 14-yard run (Jai Patel kick), 10 plays, 65 yards, 04:54; RUTG 7–0 (04:58) OHIO – Mason Williams 4-yard pass from Parker Navarro (David Dellenbach kick), Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 5:08; Tied 7–7 Second quarter (14:52) RUTG – Jai Patel 23-yard field goal, Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 5:01; RUTG 10–7 (13:52) RUTG – DT Sheffield 54-yard pass from Athan Kaliakmanis (Jai Patel kick), Drive: 1 play, 54 yards, 0:07; RUTG 17–7 (08:34) OHIO – Jake Bruno 14-yard pass from Parker Navarro (David Dellenbach kick), 10 plays, 75 yards, 05:18; RUTG 17–14 (05:20) RUTG – KJ Duff 6-yard pass from Athan Kaliakmanis (Jai Patel kick), Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:14; RUTG 24–14 (03:22) RUTG – Cam Miller 0-yard punt return (Jai Patel kick); RUTG 31–14 (00:08) OHIO – David Dellenbach 30-yard field goal, 13 plays, 82 yards, 03:14; RUTG 31–17 Third quarter (11:10) OHIO– Parker Navarro 17-yard run (David Dellenbach kick), 9 plays, 75 yards, 03:50; RUTG 31–24 (04:07) OHIO – Jake Bruno 13-yard pass from Parker Navarro (David Dellenbach kick), 7 plays, 90 yards, 03:38; Tied 31–31 Fourth quarter (14:52) RUTG – Jai Patel 26-yard field goal, Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 7:56; RUTG 34–31

Statistics	OHIO	RUTG
First downs	24	24
Plays–yards	62-440	59-399
Rushes–yards	31-201	36-147
Passing yards	239	252
Passing: comp–att–int	21-31-0	18-23-0
Time of possession	28:15	31:45

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio	Passing	Parker Navarro	21/31, 239 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Parker Navarro	9 rushes, 93 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Chase Hendricks	9 receptions, 115 yards
Rutgers	Passing	Athan Kaliakmanis	18/23, 252 yards, 2 TD
	Rushing	Antwan Raymond	14 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD
	Receiving	Ian Strong	7 receptions, 100 yards

^{[54] [55]}

Ohio opened the season on a Week 1 Thursday game at Rutgers in SHI Stadium. ^[56] Rutgers was led by 17th year head coach Greg Schiano who is 12–4 in season openers at Rutgers. ^[57] Ohio entered 1–2 all-time against the Scarlet Knights. ^[58] The two teams had last met in 2011 when Rutgers scored a 38–26 win. ^[59]

Rutgers defeated Ohio 34–31. The Scarlet Knights took advantage of several key moments, including a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, and a perfect 5-for-5 on fourth-down conversions, including a game sealing 10-yard completion, to snap Ohio’s seven game winning streak. ^[60] The Scarlet Knights set the tone early with a 12-play, 75-yard scoring drive to open the game. After converting a 4th and 3 earlier, running back Antoine Raymond capped the methodical drive with a 14-yard touchdown run on a 4th a 2, putting Rutgers on the board first. ^[61] Ohio responded with a 10 play drive ending in a Mason Williams touchdown reception from Parker Navarro. ^[62] Rutgers responded with another long drive but were held to a short Jai Patel field goal. After holding Ohio to a punt, Rutgers capitalized with a quick 54-yard touchdown pass from Athan Kaliakmanis to DT Sheffield who got behind the Ohio defense on the first play of the drive. ^[63] Ohio responded with a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jake Bruno and the ensuing drive to make the score 17–14. ^[64] Rutgers went up by 10 points again after Kaliakmanis connected with KJ Duff for a 6-yard touchdown pass. The Bobcats were forced to punt when a low snap led to a blocked kick by Kaj Sanders. The ball was recovered in the end zone by Cam Miller for a Rutgers touchdown, giving the Scarlet Knights a commanding 31–14 lead. Ohio stayed in the game with a David Dellenbach field goal just before the half to get within two scores. ^[65]

Parker Navarro engineered back-to-back scoring drives on Ohio’s first two second half drives. ^[66] First, he ran for a 17-yard touchdown, and on the next possession after forcing Rutgers' only punt, he threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jake Bruno to tie the game at 31–31. ^[67] Rutgers went 77-yards and used 7:56 of game clock and retook the lead with another short Patel field goal with 11:14 remaining. ^[68] The Bobcats were forced to punt. ^[69] Rutgers was able to seal the game, holding the ball for 12-plays, with a 4th and 7 converted with a 10-yard pass from Kaliakmanis to Sheffield that allowed them to run out the clock. ^[70]

Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis led the offense, throwing for 252 yards and two touchdowns. ^[71] Antwan Raymond had 88 yards rushing and a touchdown while Ian Strong had 100 yards receiving. Ohio's offense was propelled by the dual-threat abilities of Parker Navarro, who threw for 239 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 93 yards and a score. Despite the loss, Navarro was named MAC Offensive Player of the Week. ^[72] This marked the fourth regular season week in a row for Navarro as well as being Offensive MVP of the MAC Championship and MVP of the bowl win. Ohio had 440 yards of offense, 41 more than Rutgers, in the loss. ^[73] Chase Hendricks had 9 receptions for 115 yards to lead Ohio’s receivers. ^[74] . Adonis Williams led Ohio with 11 tackles. ^[75]

vs. West Virginia

See also: 2025 West Virginia Mountaineers football team

Pregame line	Over/under
West Virginia -3.5	58.5 [76]

West Virginia Mountaineers (1–0) at Ohio Bobcats (0–1) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Mountaineers	7	0	3	0	10
Bobcats	3	14	0	0	17

at Peden Stadium • Athens, Ohio

• Date: September 6 ^[77]
• Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT ^[78]
• Game weather: cloudy, Temperature:65 °F (18 °C),
• Game attendance: 26,740
• Referee: Michael VanderVelde (B12)
• TV announcers (ESPNU ^[79] ): Courtney Lyle (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst) ^[80]
• Ohio notes, West Virginia notes • boxscore

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

Statistics	WVU	OHIO
First downs
Total yards	–	–
Rushing yards	–	–
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	––	––
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
West Virginia	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Ohio	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

West Virginia will come to Athens to open Ohio's home schedule. It was announced that Peden Stadium was sold out on August 12. ^[81] WVU defeated FCS 2025 Robert Morris 45–3 in week 1. ^[82] The Mountaineers will be led by Rich Rodriguez who returned to Morgantown this year for his second stint at West Virginia after posting a 60–26 record from 2001 to 2007. ^{[83] [84]} He led Jacksonville State to the 2024 Conference USA championship. ^[85] He had accepted the West Virginia position before Ohio defeated the Gamecocks in the 2024 Cure Bowl. ^[86] Ohio is 5–12 all-time against the Mountaineers with the first matchup occuring in 1897. ^[87] West Virginia won the last matchup in 2001 by a score of 45–3. ^[88]

at Ohio State

See also: 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes football team

Pregame line	Over/under
	[89]

Ohio Bobcats (–) at Ohio State Buckeyes (–) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	Total
Bobcats			0
Buckeyes			0

at Ohio Stadium • Columbus, Ohio

• Date: September 13 ^[90]
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT ^[91]
• TV: Peacock ^[92]
• Pregame line: •

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

Statistics	OHIO	OSU
First downs
Total yards	–	–
Rushing yards	–	–
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	––	––
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Ohio State	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

vs. Gardner–Webb

See also: 2025 Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs football team

Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs (–) at Ohio Bobcats (–) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	Total
Runnin' Bulldogs			0
Bobcats			0

at Peden Stadium • Athens, Ohio

• Date: September 20 ^[93]
• Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT ^[94]
• TV: ESPN+ ^[95]
• Pregame line: •

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

Statistics	GWEB	OHIO
First downs
Total yards	–	–
Rushing yards	–	–
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	––	––
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Gardner–Webb	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Ohio	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

vs. Bowling Green

See also: 2025 Bowling Green Falcons football team

Bowling Green Falcons (–) at Ohio Bobcats (–) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	Total
Falcons			0
Bobcats			0

at Peden Stadium • Athens, Ohio

• Date: September 27 ^[96]
• Game time: TBA EDT
• TV: TBA
• Pregame line: •

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

Statistics	BGSU	OHIO
First downs
Total yards	–	–
Rushing yards	–	–
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	––	––
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Bowling Green	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Ohio	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

at Ball State

See also: 2025 Ball State Cardinals football team

Ohio Bobcats (–) at Ball State Cardinals (–) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	Total
Bobcats			0
Cardinals			0

at Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN

• Date: October 4 ^[97]
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT ^[98]
• TV: CBSSN ^[99]
• Pregame line: •

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

Statistics	OHIO	BALL
First downs
Total yards	–	–
Rushing yards	–	–
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	––	––
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Ball State	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

vs. Northern Illinois

See also: 2025 Northern Illinois Huskies football team

Northern Illinois Huskies (–) at Ohio Bobcats (–) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	Total
Huskies			0
Bobcats			0

at Peden Stadium • Athens, Ohio

• Date: October 18 ^[100]
• Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT ^[101]
• TV: TBA
• Pregame line: •

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

Statistics	NIU	OHIO
First downs
Total yards	–	–
Rushing yards	–	–
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	––	––
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Northern Illinois	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Ohio	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

at Eastern Michigan

See also: 2025 Eastern Michigan Eagles football team

Ohio Bobcats (–) at Eastern Michigan Eagles (–) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	Total
Bobcats			0
Eagles			0

at Rynearson Stadium • Ypsilanti, Michigan

• Date: October 25 ^[102]
• Game time: TBA EDT
• TV: TBA
• Pregame line: •

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

Statistics	OHIO	EMU
First downs
Total yards	–	–
Rushing yards	–	–
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	––	––
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Eastern Michigan	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

vs. Miami (OH)

See also: 2025 Miami RedHawks football team and Battle of the Bricks

Miami RedHawks (–) at Ohio Bobcats (–) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	Total
RedHawks			0
Bobcats			0

at Peden Stadium • Athens, Ohio

• Date: November 4 ^[103]
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT
• TV: TBA
• Pregame line: •

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

Statistics	M-OH	OHIO
First downs
Total yards	–	–
Rushing yards	–	–
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	––	––
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Miami (OH)	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Ohio	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

at Western Michigan

See also: 2025 Western Michigan Broncos football team

Ohio Bobcats (–) at Western Michigan Broncos (–) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	Total
Bobcats			0
Broncos			0

at Waldo Stadium • Kalamazoo, MI

• Date: November 11 ^[104]
• Game time: TBA EDT
• TV: TBA
• Pregame line: •

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

Statistics	OHIO	WMU
First downs
Total yards	–	–
Rushing yards	–	–
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	––	––
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Western Michigan	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

vs. UMass

See also: 2025 UMass Minutemen football team

UMass Minutemen (–) at Ohio Bobcats (–) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	Total
Minutemen			0
Bobcats			0

at Peden Stadium • Athens, Ohio

• Date: November 18 ^[105]
• Game time: TBA EDT
• TV: TBA
• Pregame line: •

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

Statistics	MASS	OHIO
First downs
Total yards	–	–
Rushing yards	–	–
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	––	––
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
UMass	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Ohio	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

at Buffalo

See also: 2025 Buffalo Bulls football team

Ohio Bobcats (–) at Buffalo Bulls (–) – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	Total
Bulls			0
Bobcats			0

at Peden Stadium • Athens, Ohio

• Date: November 28 ^[106]
• Game time: TBA EDT
• TV: TBA
• Pregame line: •

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter

Statistics	OHIO	UB
First downs
Total yards	–	–
Rushing yards	–	–
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int	––	––
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Buffalo	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving

Personnel

Coaching staff

Since December 18, 2024, the head coach of the Ohio Bobcats has been Brian Smith. He heads a staff of eleven assistant coaches, four graduate assistants, a director of football operations, and numerous other support staff. ^{[107] [108]}

Name	Position	Years at Ohio	Alma mater
Brian Smith	Head Coach	2022	University of Hawaii 2002
John Hauser	Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator	2022	Wittenberg University 2002
Scott Isphording	Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks	2014	Hanover College 1994
Blair Cavanaugh	Special Teams Coordinator/Running Backs Coach	2025	Portland State University 2016
DeAngelo Smith	Defensive Passing Game Coordinator/Cornerbacks Coach/Director of Player Development	2017	University of Cincinnati 2008
Tremayne Scott	Running Game Coordinator/Defensive tackles	2018	Ohio University 2012
Jeff Phelps	Pass Rush Specialist/Defensive Ends Coach	2025	Ball State University 1999
Chris Woods	Linebackers	2025	Davidson College 1990
Tavita Thompson	Offensive Line Coach	2025	Oregon State University 2008
Andre Allen	Wide receivers	2023	Ashford
Kyle Obly	Tight Ends	2025	Ohio University 2022
Joe Tresey	Director of High School Relations	2024	Ohio State University 1982
Jeremiah Covington	Assistant athletic director for football operations	2022	Wingate University 2011
Reagan Fornshell	Graduate assistant – offense
Brandon Pahl	Graduate assistant – offense
Garret Pruss	Graduate assistant – defense
Nick Auriemma	Graduate assistant – defense

Support staff

Name	Position	Years at Ohio	Alma mater
Sarah Newgarde	Director of athletics administration and football communications	2021	Ohio University
Logan Meyer	General Manager	2025	University of Cincinnati
Jerry Lin	Staff Athletic trainer (football, swim & dive)	2022	University of South Carolina
Caleb Moon	Assistant director of equipment services
Thomas Turnbaugh	Director of video and recruiting services	2018	Ohio University
Elaine Goodfellow	Administrative assistant
Jessica Arquette	Ohio athletics sports dietitian		Bowling Green State University
Joseph Benish	Staff Athletic Trainer (Football/Track)	2023	Penn State University
Tyler Shumate	Director of Strength and Conditioning	2024	University of Virginia
Noah Spielman	Associate Director of Football Strength and Conditioning	2025
Chalon Jackson	Football Strength and Conditioning - Graduate Assistant	2025
Theodus Riggold	Football Strength and Conditioning - Graduate Assistant	2025
John Bowman	Director of Sports Medicine & Athletics Health Care Administrator	1994	Ohio University
Dr. Sergio Ulloa	Team Orthopedic Physician		Ohio University
Dr. Katherine Guran	Head Team Physician		Northeast Ohio Medical University
James Odenthal	Staff Physical Therapist	2016	Ohio University

Roster

2025 Ohio Bobcats football roster

Quarterback 4 Jacob Winters – R-So. 6′2″ (224 lb.) Jackson, Ohio / Jackson 8 Nick Poulos – R-Sr. 6′6″ (243 lb.) Granite Bay, Calif. / Granite Bay / / El Camino College 9 Hype Grand – Fr. 6′0″ (185 lb.) La Puente, Calif. / Pasadena HS 13 Parker Navarro – Gr. 6′0″ (211 lb.) Tempe, Ariz. / Desert Vista / / UCF 14 Tim Carpenter – R-Fr. 6′3″ (235 lb.) Dayton, Ohio / Trotwood-Madison HS / / Tulsa 16 Matthew Papas – R–Fr. 5′11″ (192 lb.) Grove City, Ohio / Grove City Running Back 5 Sieh Bangura – R-Sr. 6′0″ (216 lb.) Bowie, Md. / Dematha Catholic 6 Duncan Brune – So. 5′11″ (218 lb.) Cologne, Germany / Cologne Crocodiles 21 Doe Boyland – Gr. 6′0″ (222 lb.) Medina, Ohio / Medina / / Drake 22 Mike Taylor Jr. – Fr. 5′10″ (204 lb.) Pickerington, Ohio / Pickerington North 24 Irving Brown – Fr. 5′11″ (220 lb.) Teachey, N.C. / Wallace-Rose Hill 48 Aginon Wilson Jr. – R-So. 5′10″ (211 lb.) Cleveland, Ohio / Cleveland Heights Wide Receiver 0 Delaney Crawford – R-Jr. 6′2″ (202 lb.) Fontana, Calif. / Corona Senior / / Virginia 2 Khamani Debrow – R-So. 6′3″ (206 lb.) Killeen, Texas / Ellison 3 Max Rodarte – R–Sr. 6′0″ (192 lb.) Sacramento, Calif. / Capital Christian / / City College of San Francisco 7 Chase Hendricks – Jr. 6′0″ (203 lb.) St. Louis, Mo. / St. Mary's 10 Eamonn Dennis – Gr. 5′11″ (193 lb.) Worcester, Mass. / St. John's / / Michigan 11 Rodney Harris II – R-Jr. 6′2″ (213 lb.) Cincinnati, Ohio / Princeton (Ohio) 12 Eian Pugh – R-Jr. 6′3″ (182 lb.) Oak Park, Ill. / Fenwick / / Illinois 15 Riley Neer – R–Fr. 5′11″ (190 lb.) Bellefontaine, Ohio / Bellefontaine 17 Kaden Hurst – R–Fr. 6′0″ (201 lb.) Fort Wayne, Indiana / Leo 18 Miles Cremascoli – R–Fr. 6′3″ (213 lb.) Winnetka, Ill. / New Trier 19 Dom Dorwart – R–Fr. 6′2″ (208 lb.) Leonardtown, Md. / St. Mary's Ryken 20 Rashad Perry – Fr. 5′11″ (160 lb.) Fresno, Calif. / Washington Union HS 23 Alfred Jordan Jr. – Gr. 5′9″ (178 lb.) St. Louis, Mo. / / / Idaho State 37 Blake Guffey – R-Jr. 6′1″ (221 lb.) Glouster, Ohio / Trimble / / Notre Dame College (Ohio) 80 Matthew Dragich – Jr. 6′0″ (214 lb.) / Servite HS / Long Beach City College (Calif.) 83 Colton Grover – R–Sr. 5′9″ (190 lb.) Pheonix, Ariz. / Desert Vista HS / South Dakota Mikes 88 Caleb Gossett – Gr. 6′2″ (206 lb.) Lewis Center, Ohio / Olentangy / Dayton Tight End 44 Aiden Lowery – R–Fr. 6′3″ (238 lb.) Dublin, Ohio / Dublin Jerome 82 Nick Segarra – R–Fr. 6′6″ (254 lb.) Charlotte, N.C. / Charlotte Catholic 84 AJ Miller – R–Fr. 6′4″ (239 lb.) Pickerington, Ohio / Pickerington North 85 Mason Williams – R-So. 6′5″ (258 lb.) Mogadore, Ohio / Mogadore 86 Jake Bruno – R-Sr. 6′6″ (261 lb.) Amherst, N.Y. / Saint Francis 87 Tim Boals – Fr. 6′4″ (235 lb.) Sandusky, Ohio / Perkins HS Offensive lineman 51 Davion Weatherspoon – Gr. 6′0″ (303 lb.) Harper Woods, Mich. / Harper Woods High School 52 Andres Dewerk – Gr. 6′7″ (328 lb.) San Jose, Calif. / Los Gatos HS / / App State / USC 55 Jordon Jones – R-Jr. 6′3″ (287 lb.) Ashland, Ky. / Paul G. Blazer 56 Ben Maldonado – Sr. 6′4″ (291 lb.) Miami, Fla. / Champagnat Catholic School 59 Nick Marinaro – Gr. 6′1″ (291 lb.) Wayzata, Minn. / Benilde-St. Margaret's / / Dartmouth 60 Trent Allen – Sr. 6′3″ (286 lb.) Windemere, Fla. / Bishop Moore / / Davenport 63 Seth Anstead – R–Fr. 6′4″ (300 lb.) Chelsea, Mich. / Chelsea 64 Shedrick Rhodes Jr. – Gr. 6′5″ (299 lb.) McDonough, Ga. / Eagle's Landing Christian Academy 65 Josh Waite – Gr. 6′3″ (301 lb.) Roaring Springs, Pa. / Central Martinsburg HS / / Shippensburg 67 Kam Wright – R-Jr. 6′4″ (309 lb.) Granville, Ohio / Granville 70 Joshua Johnson - Gr. 6′3″ (329 lb.) 71 Aidan Johnson – R-So. 6′3″ (308 lb.) Elkridge, Maryland / Good Counsel 72 Jakob Lemus – R-Sr. 6′5″ (308 lb.) Oxnard, Calif. / Hueneme / / Ventura College 74 Tigana Cisse – Sr. 6′3″ (305 lb.) Oakland, Calif. / McClymonds / / Idaho 75 Jarian Shelby – R-Jr. 6′3″ (290 lb.) Luling, La. / Hahnville High School 76 Bryce Parson – R–Fr. 6′2″ (296 lb.) Saint Louis, Mo. / Christian Brothers College 77 Ibrahim Kebe – Fr. 6′7″ (326 lb.) Cincinnati, Ohio / Lakota East HS 79 Angelo DeLucia – Fr. 6′5″ (218 lb.) Canfield, Ohio / Canfield Placekicker 28 Britton Watts – So. 6′1″ (161 lb.) / / / Utah State 39 David Dellenbach – R-Fr. 6′2″ (196 lb.) Park City, Utah / Park City HS / / UCLA 47 Alex Kasee – Jr. 6′2″ (173 lb.) Sylvania, Ohio / Sylvania Northview Defensive line 4 Kaci Seegars – R-Sr. 6′2″ (248 lb.) Charlotte, N.C. / Audrey Kell / / Liberty 10 Pius Odjugo – R–Sr. 6′3″ (280 lb.) Warri, Nigeria/Browntown, Mich. / River Rouge H.S. / / Central Michigan / Garden City C.C. (Kansas) / Highland C.C. (Kansas) 11 Evan Herrmann – R–So. 6′5″ (245 lb.) Sussex, Wis. / / / Vanderbilt 12 Jay Crable – R-So. 6′3″ (231 lb.) Massillon, Ohio / Archbishop 14 Ike Ackerman – Fr. 6′4″ (249 lb.) Omaha, Neb. / Central 15 Anas Luqman – R-Jr. 6′4″ (245 lb.) Cincinnati, Ohio / Princeton HS / / Arkansas Pine Bluff 16 Joseph Marsh – R-So. 6′3″ (232 lb.) Simi Valley, Calif. / Oaks Christian HS / / Boise State / College of the Canyons 44 Nehemiah Dukes – Jr. 6′1″ (288 lb.) Douglasville, Ga. / Alexander HS / / Youngstown State 50 Owen DiFranco – R-So. 6′4″ (258 lb.) Glen Ellyn, Ill. / Glenbard South 57 Nathan Hale – Sr. 6′4″ (259 lb.) Wichita, Kan. / Northwest / / Iowa Western CC 58 Nate Riegle – Sr. 6′3″ (218 lb.) Findlay, Ohio / Findlay / / Ohio State 92 RJ Keuchler – R-So. 6′3″ (255 lb.) Pickerington, Ohio / Pickerington Central 94 Brandon Weaver – Fr. 6′3″ (269 lb.) Columbus, Ohio / Hilliard Darby 95 Walter Bob Jr. – Sr. ( lb.) Lafayette, La. / Acadiana / Hutchinson CC 97 Austin Mitchell – R-So. 6′2″ (274 lb.) Avon, Ohio / Avon 98 Derek Reagans – Jr. 6′0″ (279 lb.) San Francisco, Calif. / Sacred Heart Cathedral HS / City College of San Francisco 99 Ty Neubert – Fr. 6′3″ (278 lb.) Columbus, Ohio / St. Francis De Sales Linebacker 0 Makel Williams – Gr. 6′0″ (220 lb.) Bryan, Texas / A&M Consolidated HS / / Blinn College / Fort Hays State 24 Cameron Hollobaugh – Gr. 6′0″ (221 lb.) Warren, Ohio / Warren JFK / / Walsh 25 Michael Molnar – R-Jr. 6′3″ (227 lb.) Mason, Ohio / Mason 27 Jack Fries – R-Jr. 6′2″ (222 lb.) Cincinnati, Ohio / LaSalle 30 Charlie Christopher – Fr. 6′0″ (227 lb.) Uniontown, Ohio / Lake 32 Jasen Kelly – R–Fr. 6′1″ (208 lb.) Toledo, Ohio / Whitmer 33 Jermaine Minnis – Fr. 6′2″ (204 lb.) Hyattsville, Md. / DeMatha Catholic 34 Lukas Stiles – R-So. 5′9″ (216 lb.) Wadsworth, Ohio / Highland 45 Brady Wharton – Fr. 5′10″ (193 lb.) Athens, Ohio / Athens HS Defensive back 2 DJ Walker – R-So. 6′1″ (198 lb.) Aliquippa, Pa. / Aliquippa 3 Pierre Kemeni Jr. – Gr. 6′2″ (223 lb.) Milton, Ontario, Canada / Clarkson North HS / / New Mexico / Garden City CC / Texas State 5 Adonis Williams Jr. – Sr. 6′2″ (221 lb.) Cleveland Heights, Ohio / Cleveland Heights / / Naval Academy Prep School 6 Rickey Hyatt Jr. – Gr. 6′0″ (206 lb.) Westerville, Ohio / Westerville Central HS / / South Alabama / Kentucky 7 Tank Pearson – Gr. 5′9″ (182 lb.) Oxford, Miss. / Oxford / / Northwest Mississippi Community College 8 Jaymar Mundy – R-Sr. 6′1″ (188 lb.) Cincinnati, Ohio / La Salle HS / / Western Kentucky / Hutchinson CC / Miami (Ohio) 9 Michael Mack II – Gr. 6′1″ (200 lb.) Glenn Dale, Md. / Bullis School / / Wisconsin / Air Force 13 DJ Morton – R–Fr. 6′1″ (191 lb.) Indianapolis, Ind. / Lawrence Central 17 Caleb Chamberlin – R-Fr. 6′1″ (199 lb.) Jupiter, Fla. / Palm Beach Gardens HS / / Air Force 18 Andrew Vera – Jr. 5′11″ (199 lb.) St. Clairsville, Ohio / St. Clairsville 19 Bobby Miller – Fr. 6′4″ (177 lb.) Orlando, Fla. / Bishop Moore HS 20 Kendall Bannister – R-So. 5′11″ (187 lb.) Woodbridge, Va. / Freedom 21 Ronald Jackson Jr. – Gr. 6′1″ (203 lb.) Detroit, Mich. / Belleville HS / / Montana / Akron 22 Jalen Thomeson – Jr. 5′11″ (193 lb.) Greenwood, Ind. / Center Grove 23 Tony Mathis – So. 5′11″ (176 lb.) Macon, Ga. / Westside 26 Tyson Long – Fr. 6′0″ (184 lb.) Pickerington, Ohio / Pickerington North 28 Taliq Black – Fr. 6′0″ (194 lb.) 29 JT Haskins – So. 5′11″ (182 lb.) Lexington, Ky. / Bryant Station 36 Leroy Bowers - Gr. 6′0″ (206 lb.) 41 Creed Hill – R-So. 5′10″ (184 lb.) Medina, Ohio / Highland 49 Xavier Williams – R–Fr. 5′10″ (156 lb.) Akron, Ohio / Archbishop Hoban Punter 42 Magnus Haines - Gr. 6′0″ (193 lb.) Massillon, Ohio / Massillon Washington / / Kent State / Arkansas State 90 Kolten Bartels – Fr. 5′10″ (195 lb.) Richmond, Mich. / Richmond Long Snapper 38 Dominic Konopka – R-Jr. 5′11″ (256 lb.) Sharon Center, Ohio / Highland / / Marshall 46 Nick Hemer – R-Jr. 6′4″ (184 lb.) Pittsburgh, Pa. / Seneca Valley HS / / Hutchinson CC / Buffalo

As of August 17, 2025 ^[109]

Depth chart

Defense FS Adonis Williams Jr. Rickey Hyatt Jr. - NICKEL WILL MIKE Jalen Thomeson Jack Fries Michael Molnar Pierre Kemeni Jr. Makel Williams Cameron Hollobaugh - - - SS DJ Walker JT Haskins - CB Michael Mack II Jaymar Mundy Kendall Bannister DE DT DT DE Anas Luqman Pius Odjugo Nehemiah Dukes Kaci Seegars Joseph Marsh Austin Mitchell Nathan Hale Jay Crable - - - - CB Tank Pearson Ronald Jackson Jr - Offense WR-F Max Rodarte Eamonn Dennis - WR-X Chase Hendricks Caleb Gossett - LT LG C RG RT Shedrick Rhodes Jr. Davion Weatherspoon Nick Marinaro Trent Allen Jordon Jones Jarian Shelby Kam Wright Bryce Parson Seth Anstead Tiganna Cisse - - - - - TE Mason Williams Jake Bruno - WR-Z Rodney Harris II Eian Pugh - QB Parker Navarro Nick Poulos - RB Sieh Bangura Duncan Brune - Special teams PK David Dellenbach Alex Kasee P Magnus Haines Kolten Bartels KR Eamonn Dennis Rashad Perry Alfred Jordan Jr PR Max Rodarte Tank Pearson LS Nick Hemer Aiden Lowery

For August 28, 2025 season opener vs. Rutgers - Source: ^[110]

Coaching staff changes

Departures

Name	Position	New school	New position
Tim Albin	Head coach	Charlotte	Head coach [111]
Nate Faanes	co-defensive coordinator/Special teams coordinator/linebackers	Charlotte	Defensive coordinator/Linebackers [112]
Kurt Mattix	Defensive ends/Pass Rush Specialist	Charlotte	Co-defensive coordinator/Defensive line [113]
Brian Metz	Recruiting Coordinator/Tight ends	Charlotte	Tight ends/Recruiting coordinator [114]
Allen Rudolph	Offensive line	Charlotte	Offensive line/Run game coordinator [115]

Additions

Name	Position	Previous school	Previous position
Blair Cavanaugh	Special Teams Coordinator/Running Backs [116]	Incarnate Word	Special Teams Coordinator
Jeff Phelps	Pass Rush Specialist/Defensive Ends Coach [117]	Wyoming	Defensive Tackles
Tavita Thompson	Offensive Line Coach [118]	Central Michigan	Run game coordinator/Offensive Line Coach
Kyle Obly	Tight Ends [119]	Ohio	Graduate Assistant
Chris Woods	Linebackers [120]	Arlington Renegades	Linebackers
Joe Tresey	Director of High School Relations [121]	Ohio	Recruiting assistant

Internal changes

Name	New Position	Previous position
Brian Smith	Head Coach [122]	Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/running backs
John Hauser	Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Safeties [123]	Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
Scott Isphording	Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks [124]	Passing game coordinator/quarterbacks

Transfers

Positions key

Offense	Defense	Special teams
QB — Quarterback RB — Running back FB — Fullback WR — Wide receiver TE — Tight end OL — Offensive lineman T — Tackle G — Guard C — Center	DL — Defensive lineman DE — Defensive end [a] DT — Defensive tackle [b] LB — Linebacker [c] DB — Defensive back CB — Cornerback S — Safety [d]	K — Kicker [e] P — Punter LS — Long snapper RS — Return specialist [f]
Sometimes referred to as an edge rusher (EDGE) Includes nose tackle (NT) Includes middle linebacker (MLB or MIKE), outside linebacker (OLB, WILL, SAM), and off-ball linebacker Includes free safety (FS) and strong safety (SS) Also known as a placekicker (PK) Includes kickoff and punt returners

Outgoing

Player	Position	Destination
Bradley Weaver	DL	Rutgers [125]
Parker Startz	EDGE	Charlotte [126]
Bryce Butler	TE	Charlotte [127]
Stellan Bowman	LB	Charlotte [128]
Rickey Hunt Jr.	RB	Tulsa [129]
CJ Doggette	DL	Florida Atlantic [130]
Austin Brawley	S	New Mexico [131]
Jacob Dennison	T	Wake Forest [132]
Gianni Spetic	K	Memphis [133]
Reise Collier	LB
Xander Karagosian	S
Colby Garfield	LS	Charlotte [134]
Cam Rice	DL	Maryland [135]
Shay Taylor	LB	Charlotte [136]
Kaden Schmitz	DE	Charlotte [137]
Andrew Erby	IOL	Bucknell [138]
Joseph Habinowski	T	Middle Tennessee [139]
Beau Blankenship	TE	Gardner-Webb [140]
Sinn Brennan	EDGE
Bralen Henderson	DL	Missouri [141]
Matthew Stuewe	WR
Maverick Ohle	DT	North Central

Incoming

Player	Position	Transferred From
Nick Hemer [142]	OL	Hutchinson Community College
Anas Luqman [143]	EDGE	Arkansas–Pine Bluff
Rickey Hyatt Jr. [144]	S	South Alabama
Evan Herrmann [145]	EDGE	Vanderbilt
David Dellenbach [146]	K	UCLA
Sieh Bangura [147]	RB	Minnesota
Alfred Jordan Jr. [148]	WR	Idaho State
Jaymar Mundy [149]	CB	Western Kentucky
Pierre Kemeni Jr. [150]	CB	New Mexico
Nehemiah Dukes [151]	DL	Youngstown State
Colton Grover [152]	WR	South Dakota Mines
Josh Waite [153]	ILB	Shippensburg
Ronald Jackson Jr. [154]	S	Old Dominion
Nick Marinaro [155]	IOL	Dartmouth
Andres Dewerk [156]	OL	Appalachian State
Tim Carpenter [157]	QB	Tulsa
Shedrick Rhodes Jr. [158]	T	Rutgers
Makel Williams [159]	LB	Fort Hays State
Caleb Chamberlin [160]	S	Air Force
Joseph Marsh [161]	EDGE	Boise State
Cam Hollobaugh [162]	LB	Walsh
Pius Odjugo [163]	DL	Central Michigan
Derek Reagans [164]	DL	City College of San Francisco
Dorian Boyland [165]	RB	Drake
Magnus Haines [166]	P	Arkansas State
Nate Riegle [167]	DL	Ohio State

^{[168] [169]}

Recruiting class

College recruiting information

Name	Hometown	School	Height	Weight	Commit date
Michael Taylor [170] RB	Pickerington, OH	Pickerington North	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	Jun 30, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:      247Sports:      ESPN:     (74)
Ike Ackerman [171] EDGE	Omaha, NE	Central	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	240 lb (110 kg)	Nov 16, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:      247Sports:      ESPN:     (73)
Jermaine Minnis [172] LB	Hyattsville, MD	DeMatha Catholic	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	Jul 5, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:      247Sports:      ESPN:     (74)
Charlie Christopher [173] LB	Uniontown, OH	Lake	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	May 9, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:      247Sports:
Irving Brown [174] RB	Teachey, NC	Wallace-Rose Hill	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	193 lb (88 kg)	Oct 25, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:      247Sports:
Ty Neubert [175] DL	Columbus, OH	St. Francis De Sales	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	250 lb (110 kg)	Jun 23, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:      247Sports:
Angelo Delucia [176] DL	Canfield, OH	Canfield	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	255 lb (116 kg)	Aug 6, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:      247Sports:
Tyson Long [177] CB	Pickerington, OH	Pickerington North	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	170 lb (77 kg)	Sep 20, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:      247Sports:      ESPN:     (76)
Kolten Bartles [178] P	Richmond, MI	Richmond Community	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	Aug 2, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:      247Sports:      ESPN:     (74)
Brandon Weaver [179] DL	Hilliard, OH	Hilliard Darby	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	250 lb (110 kg)	Dec 17, 2024
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:
Hype Grande [180] QB	Pasadena, CA	Pasadena	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	165 lb (75 kg)	Jan 26, 2025
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:      247Sports:
Bobby Miller [181] CB	Orlando, FL	Bishop Moore	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	Jan 26, 2025
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:
Ibrahim Kebe [182] T	Middletown, OH	Lakota East	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	Jan 26, 2025
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:      247Sports:
Rashad Perry [183] WR	Fresno, CA	Washington Union	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	160 lb (73 kg)	Apr 6, 2025
	Recruit ratings: 247Sports:
Overall recruit ranking:
‡ Refers to 40-yard dash Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "Rivals commits". Rivals. Retrieved January 20, 2025. "ESPN commits". ESPN. Retrieved January 20, 2025. "2025 Team Ranking". Rivals. Retrieved January 20, 2025. "247Sports commits". 247Sports. Retrieved January 20, 2025.

^{[184] [185] [186]}

Awards and honors

Weekly awards

Award	Player	Position	Year	Date	Source
MAC Offensive Player of the Week	Parker Navarro	QB	GS	Sept. 1	[187]

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