How well can Bobcats fill portal losses?
OHIO BOBCATS
2023 RECORD: 10-3 (6-2 MAC)
2024 MAC Head Coaches Poll: 5th
2023 RECORD: 10-3 (6-2 MAC)
2024 MAC Head Coaches Poll: 5th
MRO STAFF
Double digit wins and a bowl victory were two of the highlights from Ohio's 2023 campaign. The 'Cats have settled in under Head Coach Tim Albin, and there is an expectation of success. So much so, in fact, that the program enters each season with eyes on a title game appearance. That would give the 'Cats another shot at picking up their first MAC football title since 1968.
They won five East titles since 2006, but with the end of divisions, they now need one of the top two MAC records among all 12 MAC programs to get another championship shot. This year's preseason . . .
Double digit wins and a bowl victory were two of the highlights from Ohio's 2023 campaign. The 'Cats have settled in under Head Coach Tim Albin, and there is an expectation of success. So much so, in fact, that the program enters each season with eyes on a title game appearance. That would give the 'Cats another shot at picking up their first MAC football title since 1968.
They won five East titles since 2006, but with the end of divisions, they now need one of the top two MAC records among all 12 MAC programs to get another championship shot. This year's preseason . . .
Coleman Owen joins the Ohio receiving corps after earning All Big Sky Conference honors three times. (Ohio Athletics) . . . coaches poll picked Ohio for fifth.
The coaches skepticism likely takes into account Ohio's personnel losses. The 'Cats were hit hard in the transfer portal, including the exit of numerous key contributors. Yes, they picked up some incoming talent, but only the season will reveal how well they fill a lot of holes.
OFFENSE:
The Roark brothers (Nathan and Kurtis) were a fixture as quarterbacks in Ohio's lineup for much of the time since 2017. However, Kurtis transferred to Indiana during the offseason. Sophomore CJ Harris also transferred (Cal).
Moving into the position is senior Parker Navarro, who has been in the Ohio program for two years. He appeared in six games last year, with one start. In limited action, he completed 69.2 percent of 26 passes with three TDs and one interception. He was particularly effective in Ohio's 41-21 win over Georgia Southern at the Myrtle Beach Bowl where he completed 11 of 16 attempts, good for 120 yards and one TD. He also ran for 71 of OU's 232 rushing yards on the day.
Also shining in the bowl game was 5-11, 203-pound Ricky Hunt Jr. He carried 17 times for 115 yards and four TDs. The freshman also caught one pass for another score. He figures to replace Bobcat workhorse Sieh Bangura, who transferred to Minnesota. The junior led Ohio with 178 carries totaling 811 yards (4.6 ypc) with seven rushing scores and one receiving TD in 2023.
After the departure of RT Shedrick Rhodes Jr. (Rutgers), OU will look to center Parker Titsworth (27 starts in last two years) to anchor an offensive line that is breaking in several new starters.
The Bobcats will also be using some new receivers, including Coleman Owen (5-11, 175). The grad transfer earned All Big Sky honors three times while playing at Northern Arizona.
DEFENSE:
Ohio led the MAC in scoring defense (15.8 ppg), one-tenth of a point better than rival Miami. The Bobcats were also tied for seventh in the nation in turnover margin (+0.8). The bowl game certainly helped, as OU forced five turnovers while committing none.
Again, however, the 'Cats took some big hits. Keye Thompson and Bryce Houston, both All-MAC First Team linebackers, are gone after combining for 222 tackles, 4 sacks and 4 interceptions last year.
DT Rayyvan Buell (Colorado) left via transfer, but DE Bradley Weaver decided to stay. He had 12 starts last year. DE Ben McNaboe and Bralen Henderson also return up front.
Back in the secondary, Torrie Cox Jr. transferred to Illinois after getting 11 starts for the Bobcats last year. That leaves Adonis Williams (11 starts) as the lone returning secondary starter.
The coaches skepticism likely takes into account Ohio's personnel losses. The 'Cats were hit hard in the transfer portal, including the exit of numerous key contributors. Yes, they picked up some incoming talent, but only the season will reveal how well they fill a lot of holes.
OFFENSE:
The Roark brothers (Nathan and Kurtis) were a fixture as quarterbacks in Ohio's lineup for much of the time since 2017. However, Kurtis transferred to Indiana during the offseason. Sophomore CJ Harris also transferred (Cal).
Moving into the position is senior Parker Navarro, who has been in the Ohio program for two years. He appeared in six games last year, with one start. In limited action, he completed 69.2 percent of 26 passes with three TDs and one interception. He was particularly effective in Ohio's 41-21 win over Georgia Southern at the Myrtle Beach Bowl where he completed 11 of 16 attempts, good for 120 yards and one TD. He also ran for 71 of OU's 232 rushing yards on the day.
Also shining in the bowl game was 5-11, 203-pound Ricky Hunt Jr. He carried 17 times for 115 yards and four TDs. The freshman also caught one pass for another score. He figures to replace Bobcat workhorse Sieh Bangura, who transferred to Minnesota. The junior led Ohio with 178 carries totaling 811 yards (4.6 ypc) with seven rushing scores and one receiving TD in 2023.
After the departure of RT Shedrick Rhodes Jr. (Rutgers), OU will look to center Parker Titsworth (27 starts in last two years) to anchor an offensive line that is breaking in several new starters.
The Bobcats will also be using some new receivers, including Coleman Owen (5-11, 175). The grad transfer earned All Big Sky honors three times while playing at Northern Arizona.
DEFENSE:
Ohio led the MAC in scoring defense (15.8 ppg), one-tenth of a point better than rival Miami. The Bobcats were also tied for seventh in the nation in turnover margin (+0.8). The bowl game certainly helped, as OU forced five turnovers while committing none.
Again, however, the 'Cats took some big hits. Keye Thompson and Bryce Houston, both All-MAC First Team linebackers, are gone after combining for 222 tackles, 4 sacks and 4 interceptions last year.
DT Rayyvan Buell (Colorado) left via transfer, but DE Bradley Weaver decided to stay. He had 12 starts last year. DE Ben McNaboe and Bralen Henderson also return up front.
Back in the secondary, Torrie Cox Jr. transferred to Illinois after getting 11 starts for the Bobcats last year. That leaves Adonis Williams (11 starts) as the lone returning secondary starter.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Gianni Spetic connected on 18 of 26 field goal attempts with a long of 40. Alex Kasee, who averaged 56.3 yards per boot on 67 kickoffs last year is also an option. Senior Jack Wilson averaged 42.7 yards per punt in 2023.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This is a year when Ohio's culture will be tested. How quickly can the transfer "replacements" get up to speed. The successful bowl game suggests younger Bobcats are chomping at the bit for their opportunities.
While it would be natural to see some fan base hand wringing about the offense, getting another solid year from the defense will be important. Ohio won three of four non-conference games in 2023 and the 'Cats gave up 10 or less points in all three victories. In fact, OU allowed 17 or less points in all but one of its 10 victories last year.
Only two opponents scored more than 20 points. Both were losses: Northern Illinois 21, Ohio 13 and Miami 30, Ohio 16.
Overall, the 2024 schedule is very manageable. The Bobcats miss Bowling Green and Northern Illinois but will be on the road for games at Miami and Toledo. Those two teams were coaches poll picks to again reach the MAC title game.
Gianni Spetic connected on 18 of 26 field goal attempts with a long of 40. Alex Kasee, who averaged 56.3 yards per boot on 67 kickoffs last year is also an option. Senior Jack Wilson averaged 42.7 yards per punt in 2023.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This is a year when Ohio's culture will be tested. How quickly can the transfer "replacements" get up to speed. The successful bowl game suggests younger Bobcats are chomping at the bit for their opportunities.
While it would be natural to see some fan base hand wringing about the offense, getting another solid year from the defense will be important. Ohio won three of four non-conference games in 2023 and the 'Cats gave up 10 or less points in all three victories. In fact, OU allowed 17 or less points in all but one of its 10 victories last year.
Only two opponents scored more than 20 points. Both were losses: Northern Illinois 21, Ohio 13 and Miami 30, Ohio 16.
Overall, the 2024 schedule is very manageable. The Bobcats miss Bowling Green and Northern Illinois but will be on the road for games at Miami and Toledo. Those two teams were coaches poll picks to again reach the MAC title game.
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