The Ohio Bobcats season Preview

7/29/25 Rodney Braziel

Ohio University enters the 2025 season coming off their first MAC title since 1968, an 11-win season and a bowl game win. With success, comes change at the top in Athens. Head coach Tim Albin accepted the same position at Charlotte but assistant coach Brian Smith moved seamlessly into the position to keep the team’s continuity.

Offensively Parker Navarro is the leading returnee. The senior posted over 2400 yards passing with 13 touchdowns and 1054 with 18 more scores. Running back Anthony Tyus III departs but Sieh Bangura returns after a short stint with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. In 2023 he led the Bobcats with 811 yards rushing so he’s a proven commodity in the backfield. At the receiver position the Bobcats have a plethora of talent vying for time with chase Hendricks at the fore. The offensive line is in flux but with Trent Allen and Davion Weatherspoon the base is solid while others fill in the gaps.

Defensively the secondary is the strongest unit with Michael Mack and Tank Pierson (4 interceptions) back and transfer Rickey Hyatt Jr adds experience to the group. The D-line was hit by departures but Anas Luqman transfers in from Arkansas Pine Bluff and Walter Bob Jr. returns for Ohio. Juniors Jake Fries and Michael Molnar bring experience at the linebacker position.

Ohio is predicted to finish third in the MAC’s preseason poll but have to survive the early season non-conference gauntlet of Rutgers, West Virginia and Ohio State healthy to make a run at a second consecutive conference title.