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.

The Toledo Rockets 2025 Football season preview

7/22/25 Rodney Braziel

The Rockets coming off an 8-5 season capped by the amazing six overtime 48-46 dogfight victory versus Pittsburg look to return to the MAC title game and continue the program’s high expectations. Offensively the passing game didn’t miss a beat with quarterback Tucker Gleason taking over the reins. Gleason passed for over 2800 yards with 24 touchdowns while contributing 364 on the ground. Returning All-MAC receiver Junior Vandeross III hauled in 85 catches for 957 yards and was the Game Above Sports Bowl MVP last season leads a group of pass catchers ready to prove their worth.

The running game took a dip in the season after losing Peny Boone’s 1400 yards to Central Florida with Connor Walendzak’s team leading 458 yards. Enter former Ohio State, Arizona State and Kentucky transfer Chip Trayanum to help bolster a running back room that has talent but needs a spark. The Offensive line returns multiple starters and adds Jonathan Harder (Cincinnati) and Terrence Moore (PITT) to solidify the group.

Toledo’s defense will be led by a solid group of defensive backs in All-MAC performer Avery Smith along with interceptions leader Braden Awls and Jaden Dottin. The defensive line will have Esean Carter and Martez Poynter in expanded roles hoping to apply consistent pressure to the opposing offenses. The linebacker competition is in full swing with the losses of Dan Bolden and Jackson Barrow. Damon Ollison looks to be the heir apparent at the position.

Overall Toledo has a solid base returning from last season and if they can have a seamless transition from the previous seasons backups and the incoming transfers a 10-win season and MAC title isn’t out of the question. Toledo opens the 2025 season at Kentucky on Aug. 30th.