4identity shift
Ohio: the fanbase's identity shifting.
Brian Smith begins his tenure at Ohio with a 9-4 record anchoring a program defined by its historic identity and shifting fanbase expectations.
Ohio9-4Latest
Cautious optimism is building around Ohio.
belief warmed ↑ 10.9vs prior week
Fanbase belief
Leaning up
59/100 · 64 mentions · top 19% of FBS
~ our readGrounding
running on emotion
0% cite a stat · 7% typical ✓ counted
~ our readVolatility
Chaotic
σ 37 pts
~ our readThe model
#58
CFB Zeitgeist · +2.8
✓ measured4Hope-Doping·Offseason
Ohio just won its seventh straight bowl game — the second-longest active streak in the country — under its third head coach in three years, a quietly relentless program that loses its coaches to bigger jobs and keeps winning anyway.
Title DroughtSince 2024 · 1 yrs
Athens doesn't carry a grudge so much as a quiet pride: the Bobcats keep getting their coaches stolen by bigger programs, and they keep reloading and winning bowls. The fanbase has stopped apologizing…
offseason · quiet
Roster Reload - Ohio
2026 snapshot - 2026-08-06Returning Production65%Moderate continuity
Talent Composite#126 nationally247 composite 470.0
Portal Additions18Primary repair: CB
Portal Losses16Primary pressure: WR
Draft Loss0No NFL Draft departures recorded
Recruiting Reload#107Depth class
EDGEin 3 - Cody Raymondout 3 - Danny NovickasEven
current room: 240 lbs avg (2025 roster)
WRin 2 - Preston Bowmanout 3 - Chase HendricksDowngrade
current room: 200 lbs avg (2025 roster)
TEin 2 - Jake Furtneyout 2 - Mason WilliamsEven
current room: 253 lbs avg (2025 roster)
OTin 2 - Sandro Malicevicout 2 - Ibrahim KebeEven
CBin 3 - KJ Sejourout 0Need Filled
current room: 186 lbs avg (2025 roster)
QBin 1 - Matt Vezzaout 1 - Parker NavarroDowngrade
current room: 209 lbs avg (2025 roster)
Belief EKG
WinLoss · hover for score
Approaching
30 days
until kickoff · at Nebraska · Sat Sep 5 · 16:00 UTC
The experience
Ohio is the MAC program whose Frank Solich tenure + Tim Albin continuation + Peden Stadium hill setting define what historic-southeast-Ohio football looks like.
Offense: StrongRun/Pass: Run-heavy, ground-controlTempo: Methodical, ball-control
Ohio's 2026 season hinges on transfer portal additions and moderate continuity
With a recruiting rank of #107 and a balanced portal churn, Ohio faces challenges in maintaining consistency. The team's moderate continuity and reliance on transfer additions could determine its success in a competitive conference.
- Roster reloadOhio has a transfer_in_total of 18 and a transfer_out_total of 16, indicating a balanced portal churn.
Data as of 2026-08-03
·
Validated against program evidence
Rufus the Bobcat is patient.
Ohio · the story right now
8 storylines developing
What Ohio's offseason is really about
the open questionwhere does it go from here?
program_outlookthis cycle~readnew
Ohio dropped 21 spots in SP+ — the 9-4 record and 126th talent rank create a split screen between recent success and the challenge of sustaining it under first-year coach Brian Smith.
what happenedOhio enters 2026 rated No. 84 in 2025 SP+ (-4.0), down 21 spots from 2024. ✓ fact
narrative tension · our read
coachingthis cycle~readnew
Brian Smith inherits Tim Albin's 9-4 foundation with 65% production returning and Peden Stadium's historic expectations weighing on his first season.
what happenedBrian Smith took over as Ohio's head coach, replacing Tim Albin. ✓ fact
the contextreplaces 4-year head coach Tim Albin (31-19)
narrative tension · our read
coachingthis cycle~readnew
John Hauser inherits a 9-4 program with 65% production returning, but the 126th talent rank and 97% QB continuity demand he prove historic Southeast Ohio football can thrive beyond legacy names.
what happenedJohn Hauser took over as Ohio's head coach, replacing Brian Smith. ✓ fact
the contextreplaces 4-year head coach Tim Albin (31-19)
narrative tension · our read
identitythis cycle~readnew
Brian Smith begins his tenure at Ohio with a 9-4 record anchoring a program defined by its historic identity and shifting fanbase expectations.
what happenedOhio: the fanbase's identity shifting. ✓ fact
narrative tension · our read
coordinatorsthis cycle~readnew
John Hauser inherits a 9-4 winning record and a coordinator-driven reshaping of units as Ohio seeks to redefine its historic-southeast-Ohio identity in the MAC.
what happenedOhio: coordinator change reshaping a unit. ✓ fact
narrative tension · our read
deep threatthis cycle~attributednew
Chase Hendricks is a real deep-ball threat -- a high share of his targets come on throws past the sticks.
narrative tension · our read
short yardagethis cycle~attributednew
Sieh Bangura converts 3rd/4th-and-short at an elite rate.
narrative tension · our read
coordinatorsthis cycle~readnew
John Hauser begins his first season at Ohio with a 9-4 record anchoring a program seeking to redefine its identity under new leadership.
what happenedOhio: coordinator change reshaping a unit. ✓ fact
narrative tension · our read
How past storylines here turned out
ReplacedOhio moved on from that hire — a new coaching change began the following season. See who's next →
ReplacedOhio's defensive coordinator spot turned over again the following season. See who's next →
ReplacedOhio's offensive coordinator spot turned over again the following season. See who's next →
The story
The Offseason Ledger · Ohio
2 verified updates · portal · recruiting · staff · news- News
'5-to-play-5' rule applied to Ohio State players
The '5-to-play-5' rule means Ohio gets bodies from Columbus that wouldn't have looked at Athens twice — for a WR room ranked 121st nationally, that pipeline matters more than any portal bid.
- Recruiting
Jett Harrison commits to Ohio State
Smith's first full class at Ohio sits at #121 nationally — Harrison fills a WR room under genuine pressure, but the MAC rebuild needs volume, not just one piece.
Transfer portal snapshot
-3.6 net portal points
(raw ledger: +2.9 — unweighted, no position adjustment)CB+7.7
need not filled
QB-2.7
WR-2.4
S+1.3
DL-0.5
EDGE-0.3
IOL-0.1
TE-0.1
K+0.0
OT+0.0
RB+0.0
Top 3 commits
2026 class
★★★☆☆
Danny Fortson Jr.
#731 national
★★★☆☆
Brandon Jenkins
#774 national
★★★☆☆
Kaden Page
#1358 national
Profiles like a typical incoming wide receiver — 18 of his 25 closest recruiting profiles since 2018 shared the Possession Receiver archetype.~our read · projection from recruiting profile — no college snaps yet
→
Fan confidence in a typical range for this program right now
81st percentile among FBS programs
Fan vs. market↑
81st
Fan percentile
(FBS mood rank)
(FBS mood rank)
6.5
Vegas O/U wins
(41st among FBS)
(41st among FBS)
Fans 40pp more bullish than market implies
Win total consensus · 3 books
Market outlook
Season expectations
Win total3 booksO/U 6.5
CFP championship#91 in field+100000
MAC title#4 in market+600
Sportsbook consensus · best odds across multiple books · 2026-08-06
Ohio · Next-Season Outcome Band
Ohio · Next-Season Outcome BandFloor / Base / Ceiling
Floor 4-8
Base 7-6
Ceiling 9-4
floor4-8No postseason.
base7-6Bowl game.
ceiling9-4Bowl game.
Final-season-aware projection: floor / base / ceiling include conference title and CFP games where the model supports them, so a ceiling can exceed a 12-game regular season.
How the room reacted
Following now · Ohio · Season outlook Confidence
Ohio enters the season in the middle of the pack. That's the whole tension.
Ohio enters 2026 rated No. 84 in 2025 SP+ (-4.0), down 21 spots from 2024. SP+ reflects three years of tape; a drop this steep is structural, not noise. The recovery window is open but the room knows it. Preview coverage is split — believers and skeptics are reading the same data differently.
bullish — but with real dissent
where the takes land · dot = how loud
DOUBTBELIEF
Skeptics2 doubt takes
Believers6 bull takes
💬 fans: 20% volume · mostly neutral
CFB Zeitgeist Read · our take
Ohio dropped 21 spots in SP+ — the 9-4 record and 126th talent rank create a split screen between recent success and the challenge of sustaining it under first-year coach Brian Smith.
Next · what to watch
The non-obvious consequence of a steep fall isn't one bad year — it's the recruiting and portal feedback loop. A 'they're down' narrative accelerates the attrition that drove the decline. Watch whether the model holds through the first month of the schedule.
Source of record: Ohio enters 2026 rated No. 84 in 2025 SP+ (-4.0), down 21 spots from 2024.
How each room is reacting — tap to expand
📣Believers6 bullish items -- the case it's working.›
The 'the projection is underselling us' read -- fans betting the season beats the preview number.
“High School Football: Ohio State recruit Jamier Brown practicing with Wayne”
High School · Dayton Daily News · 2026-08-04 · read ↗
“Offensive Line Trio Tabbed to 2026 Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List”
Ohio State | Official Athletics Website · 2026-08-04 · read ↗
“NE Ohio's best safeties for 2026: Our picks are in and the fan vote is now open”
Cleveland.com · 2026-08-04 · read ↗
🧐Skeptics“Another Ohio High School Won't Field Varsity Football Team in 20” — the real counter.›
The 'the model has seen the tape' counter -- efficiency ratings reward what a program has actually done, not hope.
“Another Ohio High School Won't Field Varsity Football Team in 2026”
Sports Illustrated · 2026-08-05 · read ↗
“The Biggest Concern Nobody Is Talking About for Ohio State”
Sports Illustrated · 2026-07-31 · read ↗
💬The boards20% of recent board volume — the fanbase is locked in. Board mood this week: mostly neutral · anger notable (26%).›
This event was in 27 of 134 board posts (20%) over the last 60 days — a fanbase consumed by it. Fan text shown verbatim, attributed to the community not the individual poster.
"The NZCFL is looking for coaches! NZCFL is a college football simulation game run on the free website We are a college simulation football league with 120 teams, and Ohio is lo"
r/ohiouniversity ~ fan take
"We are researchers from The Center for Intervention Research in Schools (CIRS) at Ohio University seeking enrollment in a new research opportunity involving interviewing teachers,"
r/ohiouniversity ~ fan take
Board health this week (66 posts): 20% positive · 65% neutral · 15% negative. Team-level weekly mood — not specific to this event. The boards ≠ the fanbase: a self-selected vocal slice.
Following now · Ohio · Coaching Confidence
The Brian Smith story at Ohio won't sit still.
Brian Smith took over as Ohio's head coach, replacing Tim Albin. It is replaces 4-year head coach Tim Albin (31-19). It's not the hire that's the story anymore — it's everything it set in motion. The room has bought in, but early believers have been wrong before.
near-unanimous belief
where the takes land · dot = how loud
DOUBTBELIEF
Believers4 bull takes
🎪 drama: simmering
Developing3 new this week
2 days agoTop 10 College Football Players For 2026: Jeremiah Smith Or Arch Manning At No. 1? — FOX Sports
3 days agoBuckeyes stars excited about potential in Arthur Smith-led offense — On3
last weekJeremiah Smith hints at final season with Ohio State football: 'Time for me to go' — The Columbus Dispatch
The cast who's driving the story · latest headline on each, attributed
Brian Smith Head coach
“Ohio announces final decision on coach Brian Smith after puzzling leave of absence” — On3 · 2026-07-09
Tim Albin Out
Arch Manning
“Top 10 College Football Players For 2026: Jeremiah Smith Or Arch Manning At No. 1?” — FOX Sports · 2026-08-04
Jeremiah Smith Or
“Top 10 College Football Players For 2026: Jeremiah Smith Or Arch Manning At No. 1?” — FOX Sports · 2026-08-04
CFB Zeitgeist Read · our take
Brian Smith inherits Tim Albin's 9-4 foundation with 65% production returning and Peden Stadium's historic expectations weighing on his first season.
Next · what to watch
The obvious story is the marquee name; the non-obvious one is roster churn — a coaching change keeps a portal and decommit window open long after the introductory presser. Watch decommitments and portal moves in the next window — that's where this is actually won or lost, not at the podium. The boards are already there — one thread raises exactly this.
Source of record: Brian Smith took over as Ohio's head coach, replacing Tim Albin — replaces 4-year head coach Tim Albin (31-19).
How each room is reacting — tap to expand
🎪The circus“Ohio student filed sexual misconduct complaint against former he” — the saga that won't quit.›
The off-field storyline driving the noise right now. Not analysis — the soap opera, and that's the point.
“Ohio student filed sexual misconduct complaint against former head football coach Brian Smith before his firing”
The Athens Messenger · 2026-06-24 · read ↗
📣Believers4 bullish/hire items -- the case it's working.›
The 'this hire changes everything' takes -- new-era believers making the case early.
“Skull Session: Jeremiah Smith Confirms He Doesn’t Play College Football For Free; Air Noland Says Smith is Julio Jones and Calvin Johnson “All In One””
Skull Session · Eleven Warriors · 2026-07-09 · read ↗
“Top college football wide receivers for 2026: Where Jeremiah Smith lands”
Cleveland.com · 2026-07-08 · read ↗
“Jeremiah Smith Puts On Recruiter Hat With Pitch to 5-Star Top Wideout Prospect”
Sports Illustrated · 2026-06-16 · read ↗
🧐SkepticsNo prominent dissent — the coverage runs one way.›
The 'show me the body of work' counter -- resume gaps, scheme fits, and 'not that guy' reads.
Nothing in our corpus yet — this door stays open for when there is.
🔗The dominoes17 downstream moves — the hire's knock-on effects.›
The second-order trail: commits, decommits, portal and staff knock-on from the hire.
“High School Football: Ohio State recruit Jamier Brown practicing with Wayne”
High School · Dayton Daily News · 2026-08-04 · read ↗
“What I'm hearing on the fifth-year eligibility ruling, Ohio State football and OSU recruiting”
247Sports · 2026-08-02 · read ↗
Recent Form · last 10 games
Warming
Four of five. The board favors this trend.
Streak W3Last 5 · 4-1Last 10 · 8-2
The forecast
Opens Sep 5
vs Nebraska · away
Season line6.5 winsover -150
StrongRun-heavy, ground-controlMethodical, ball-control
✓ fact on line · ~ our read on style
Rival pulse
Miami (OH)
Hopeful+9
Battle of the Bricks
Fan mood index · most recent r/cfb data
Recruiting Footprint · 2026
Recruiting Footprint · 2026
18
OH · 13AL · 1GA · 1IA · 1IL · 1IN · 1
OH leads the 2026 class with 13 commits. National footprint reaching 6 states.
Where they recruit · 2023-2026
69 signees across 20 states, 2023-2026. OH leads the pull.
r/cfb this year
[Postgame Thread] Ohio Defeats UMass 42-14
[Postgame Thread] Ohio Defeats Buffalo 31-26
[Postgame Thread] Ohio Defeats Gardner-Webb 52-35
Top community posts · last 12 months · r/cfb
National spotlight
10 games with TV coverage: 3 ESPN, 4 cable, 1 conference network, 2 streaming
Kickoff windows: 4 noon, 2 afternoon, 4 primetime
Fumble luck
Recovering 33% of their own fumbles — running cold vs. the ~51% league rate.
3 of 9 own fumbles recovered themselves; 4 of 7 forced fumbles recovered, 2025 only.
Takeaway conversion
Converting 24% of pass disruptions into takeaways — right in line with the ~19% league rate.
10 interceptions of 42 disrupted passes (32 deflected, 10 intercepted), 2025 only.
Penalty battle
Losing the penalty battle: 80 penalties committed vs. 57 drawn on opponents, a 129-yard deficit.
628 penalty yards committed vs. 499 drawn on opponents, 2025 season total.
The Pulse on Ohio
59
Δ +10.9 vs last wk
64
mentions this week · conversation velocity
What moved it — fall camp · last 14 days
Camp
Fall camp open — install + scrimmage cycle
ongoing
Kickoff
Season opener in 16 days
kickoff
"Bobcats Bite Back"
— Ohio fanbase · recurring line
Fanbase Signals
Cohort Divergence1 pctSpread between sub-fanbase cohorts in the Pulse window.
The Fever Year
Position = mood · width = volume · color = the kind of feeling
Inside the fanbase — all 7 corners
Cr/CFB
GGoogle News
LLand Grant Holy Land
HHustle Belt
CCampus paper
BBobcatAttack
BBluesky
YYouTube
One voice
+0.00whole-room sentiment · warm our read
Every cohort from the die-hards to the analytics crowd lands within 0.03 of each other — a rare consensus. The loudest voice in the room:
LLand Grant Holy LandBeat · article
Beyond the Box Score: Why the Buckeyes being ranked No. 1 in the Preseason Coaches Poll Does matter
landgrantholyland.com →How Ohio fans actually talk real · top-upvoted
Rr/CFBthe room
Ohio beat West Virginia West Virginia beat Pitt The MAC is better than the ACC
▲ 719 ▼open ↗
The crowd’s loudest take by upvotes — read for mood, not as a side. The cohort read is the measured part.
The room, end to end
skeptical
buying in
Bettors+0.11
Casuals+0.07
Cohort sentiment is a source-weighted model read — never a quote pinned to a person.
What this fanbase keeps coming back to our read · topic model
Topics are model-labeled from Reddit — a rough signal of what this fanbase is circling right now.
219 mentions · 8 sources · week 2026-01. Counts, sources and the divergence rank are measured (fact). Cohort labels and sentiment are a source-weighted model read (our read) — never a quote attributed to a person.
Belief checklight on evidence
~ our readOhio fans are cautiously optimistic, with almost nothing concrete behind it yet.
backed by facts
the mood
✓ counted We read 66 posts from Ohio fans this week.
Season storylines
Week 2
“If you see that kind of body language from your 14 year old kicker you just have to know you need a TD. That kid was having an internal panic attack two full mins before they even sent him out for the game winner.”— r/CFB
Week 1
“You guys will be fine. Offense looked great and Ohio is a really good football team. Don't sweat it”— r/CFB
Week 11
“The problem that you guys have is that Miami (even if they don’t beat Toledo), Western and Ohio all have layups left after this week and yall still have Toledo.”— r/CFB
Week 12
“* UMass has never won a football game against Ohio. * Tonight's margin of victory is tied (28 points) for all-time highest in the series (2013 score: 51-23). * This is the second lowest amount of points Ohio has scored in a game vs. UMass (2012 score: 37-34). * Ohio has a home…”— r/CFB
Week 13
“Brian Kelly trotted out the worst gameplan against yall last year too, it was frustrating to watch the 47th screen.”— r/CFB
Fanbase Health Index · Ohio · high confidence
Fanbase Health Index · Ohio · high confidenceGrowing (62)
DecliningStableGrowingSurging
On-Field — 9-4 (69% win rate)66
Volume — 580 effective signal-N85
Cohort Engagement — Divergence 0.01 — quiet35
Key stats — 2025 — FBS rank
Points/game#62 / 138 · 56th pct27.8
Pts allowed/game#39 / 138 · 72nd pct21.9
Total yards/gm#41 / 136 · 71st pct412.3
Rush yards/gm#11 / 136 · 93rd pct228.2
Pass yards/gm#103 / 136 · 25th pct184.2
Yards allowed/gm#57 / 136 · 59th pct352.3
Rush yds allowed/gm#67 / 136 · 51st pct144.2
Sacks#89 / 136 · 35th pct22
Interceptions#42 / 136 · 70th pct12
3rd-down conv#42 / 136 · 70th pct42.4%
All 98 stats
Offense / Defense
Total yards
Team5360412.3/gm6.20/play#41 / 136 · 71st pct#27 / 70 · 63rd pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Opp4580352.3/gm5.82/play#57 / 136 · 59th pct#39 / 70 · 46th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct
Rush yards
Team2966228.2/gm3.43/play#11 / 136 · 93rd pct#5 / 70 · 94th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct
Opp1875144.2/gm2.38/play#67 / 136 · 51st pct#47 / 70 · 34th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Rush carries
Team55242.5/gm#16 / 136 · 89th pct#7 / 70 · 91st pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct
Opp42732.8/gm#35 / 136 · 75th pct#27 / 70 · 63rd pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct
Rush TDs
Team322.5/gm#17 / 136 · 88th pct#10 / 70 · 87th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
Opp151.2/gm#40 / 136 · 71st pct#28 / 70 · 61st pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct
Net pass yards
Team2394184.2/gm2.77/play#103 / 136 · 25th pct#61 / 70 · 14th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
Opp2705208.1/gm3.44/play#59 / 136 · 57th pct#34 / 70 · 53rd pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
Pass attempts
Team31224.0/gm#120 / 136 · 12th pct#68 / 70 · 4th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
Opp36027.7/gm#41 / 136 · 71st pct#18 / 70 · 76th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct
Completions
Team19214.8/gm#115 / 136 · 16th pct#66 / 70 · 7th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct#9 / 12 · 33rd pct
Opp23117.8/gm#54 / 136 · 61st pct#26 / 70 · 64th pct#9 / 12 · 33rd pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct
Pass TDs
Team141.1/gm#105 / 136 · 24th pct#60 / 70 · 16th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct#9 / 12 · 33rd pct
Opp191.5/gm#74 / 136 · 46th pct#43 / 70 · 40th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct
Passer rating
Team133.1133.1#70 / 136 · 49th pct#42 / 70 · 41st pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct
Opp138.6138.6#94 / 136 · 32nd pct#52 / 70 · 27th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct#8 / 11 · 36th pct
Interceptions thrown
Team110.8/gm#41 / 136 · 71st pct#16 / 70 · 79th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct
Opp120.9/gm#84 / 136 · 39th pct#44 / 70 · 39th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct
Sacks (def)
Team221.7/gm#89 / 136 · 35th pct#51 / 70 · 29th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct#8 / 10 · 30th pct
Opp262.0/gm#81 / 136 · 41st pct#42 / 70 · 41st pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct#8 / 10 · 30th pct
Tackles for loss
Team644.9/gm#83 / 136 · 40th pct#45 / 70 · 37th pct#9 / 12 · 33rd pct#8 / 10 · 30th pct
Opp483.7/gm#8 / 136 · 95th pct#4 / 70 · 96th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#2 / 10 · 90th pct
First downs
Team28121.6/gm#42 / 136 · 70th pct#25 / 70 · 66th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Opp24018.5/gm#47 / 136 · 66th pct#31 / 70 · 57th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
3rd-down conv
Team705.4/gm#60 / 136 · 57th pct#31 / 70 · 57th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Opp544.2/gm#8 / 136 · 95th pct#4 / 70 · 96th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
3rd-down att
Team16512.7/gm#94 / 136 · 32nd pct#40 / 70 · 44th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Opp16212.5/gm#31 / 136 · 78th pct#16 / 70 · 79th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
4th-down conv
Team171.3/gm#33 / 136 · 76th pct#19 / 70 · 74th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Opp171.3/gm#100 / 136 · 27th pct#51 / 70 · 29th pct#12 / 12 · 8th pct#12 / 12 · 8th pct
4th-down att
Team292.2/gm#47 / 136 · 66th pct#24 / 70 · 67th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Opp292.2/gm#83 / 136 · 40th pct#41 / 70 · 43rd pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct#9 / 12 · 33rd pct
Time of possession
Team417:3732:07/gm#26 / 136 · 82nd pct#14 / 70 · 81st pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct
Opp359:1827:38/gm#24 / 136 · 83rd pct#9 / 70 · 89th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct
Kicking & Punting
Field goals#130 / 135 · 4th pct6/11 (54.5%)
Extra points39/44
Punting#105 / 136 · 24th pct41.6 avg · 42 punts
Turnovers & special teams
Turnovers
Team191.5/gm#34 / 136 · 76th pct#12 / 70 · 84th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
Opp171.3/gm#71 / 136 · 49th pct#37 / 70 · 49th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct
Fumbles lost
Team80.6/gm#25 / 136 · 82nd pct#9 / 70 · 89th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct
Opp50.4/gm#33 / 136 · 76th pct#16 / 70 · 79th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
INT return TDs
Team10.1/gm#36 / 135 · 74th pct#19 / 70 · 74th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct#3 / 11 · 82nd pct
Opp00.0/gm#1 / 136 · 100th pct#1 / 70 · 100th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct#1 / 11 · 100th pct
INT return yards
Team17613.5/gm#35 / 136 · 75th pct#19 / 70 · 74th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
Opp806.2/gm#44 / 136 · 68th pct#23 / 70 · 69th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct#5 / 11 · 64th pct
Punt ret yds
Team16012.3/gm#55 / 136 · 60th pct#33 / 70 · 54th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
Opp1179.0/gm#75 / 136 · 46th pct#43 / 70 · 40th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct#6 / 11 · 55th pct
Punt ret TDs
Team00.0/gm#43 / 135 · 69th pct#23 / 70 · 69th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct#3 / 10 · 80th pct
Opp10.1/gm#97 / 135 · 29th pct#52 / 70 · 27th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct#7 / 8 · 25th pct
Kick ret yds
Team39830.6/gm#76 / 136 · 45th pct#33 / 70 · 54th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
Opp67151.6/gm#116 / 136 · 15th pct#64 / 70 · 10th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
Kick ret TDs
Team10.1/gm#7 / 136 · 96th pct#3 / 70 · 97th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#2 / 11 · 91st pct
Opp00.0/gm#1 / 135 · 100th pct#1 / 70 · 100th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct#1 / 9 · 100th pct
Penalty yards
Team62848.3/gm#88 / 136 · 36th pct#40 / 70 · 44th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Opp49938.4/gm#13 / 136 · 91st pct#9 / 70 · 89th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct
Other
Penalties (opp)#11 / 136 · 93rd pct#8 / 70 · 90th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct574.4/gm
Fourth down go rate#14 / 138 · 91st pct#5 / 70 · 94th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#1 / 11 · 100th pct0.50.0/gm
Interceptions (def)#42 / 136 · 70th pct#22 / 70 · 70th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct120.9/gm
H2 epa per play#46 / 142 · 68th pct#27 / 70 · 63rd pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct0.20.0/gm
H1 epa per play opponent#47 / 167 · 72nd pct#27 / 70 · 63rd pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct0.10.0/gm
H1 epa per play#50 / 162 · 70th pct#36 / 70 · 50th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct0.20.0/gm
Penalties#52 / 136 · 62nd pct#25 / 70 · 66th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct806.2/gm
H2 epa per play opponent#62 / 143 · 57th pct#37 / 70 · 49th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct0.20.0/gm
Punt ret (opp)#68 / 136 · 51st pct#40 / 70 · 44th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct#3 / 11 · 82nd pct141.1/gm
Passes intercepted opponent#82 / 136 · 40th pct#48 / 70 · 33rd pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct#8 / 11 · 36th pct110.8/gm
Kick returns#84 / 136 · 39th pct#39 / 70 · 46th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct181.4/gm
Fumbles rec (def)#86 / 136 · 38th pct#50 / 70 · 30th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct80.6/gm
Fumbles recovered#91 / 136 · 34th pct#48 / 70 · 33rd pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct50.4/gm
Punt returns#96 / 136 · 30th pct#56 / 70 · 21st pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct120.9/gm
Kick ret (opp)#112 / 136 · 18th pct#62 / 70 · 13th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct302.3/gm
Recruiting rating#121 / 138 · 13th pct#70 / 70 · 1st pct#10 / 13 · 31st pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct115.48.9/gm
Red zone pass rate#141 / 154 · 9th pct#69 / 70 · 3rd pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct#12 / 12 · 8th pct0.20.0/gm
First down pass rate#154 / 215 · 29th pct#59 / 70 · 17th pct#7 / 13 · 54th pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct0.40.0/gm
Situational
3rd-down conversion
Off42.4%#42 / 136 · 70th pct#27 / 70 · 63rd pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
Def33.3%#21 / 136 · 85th pct#13 / 70 · 83rd pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct
4th-down conversion
Off58.6%#45 / 136 · 68th pct#28 / 70 · 61st pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
Def58.6%#96 / 136 · 30th pct#47 / 70 · 34th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct#12 / 12 · 8th pct
Turnover margin#81 / 136 · 41st pct#44 / 70 · 39th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct-0.15/gm
Sack rate (def)#86 / 136 · 38th pct#50 / 70 · 30th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct#7 / 10 · 40th pct6.1%
Red Zone & Drive Efficiency (2014– , play-by-play derived)
Red zone trips
Team493.8/gm#43 / 167 · 75th pct#28 / 70 · 61st pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct#9 / 12 · 33rd pct
Opp382.9/gm#73 / 166 · 57th pct#27 / 70 · 63rd pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
Red zone score %
Team71.4%71.4%#123 / 167 · 27th pct#63 / 70 · 11th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct#12 / 12 · 8th pct
Opp68.4%68.4%#18 / 166 · 90th pct#8 / 70 · 90th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Points / drive
Team2.10.2/gm#63 / 167 · 63rd pct#41 / 70 · 43rd pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct
Opp1.80.1/gm#54 / 166 · 68th pct#32 / 70 · 56th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct
Yards / drive
Team42.73.3/gm#55 / 167 · 68th pct#34 / 70 · 53rd pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct
Opp40.23.1/gm#67 / 166 · 60th pct#33 / 70 · 54th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
Plays / drive
Team6.80.5/gm#40 / 167 · 77th pct#21 / 70 · 71st pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct
Opp6.20.5/gm#27 / 166 · 84th pct#7 / 70 · 91st pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct
Three-and-out rate
Team7.4%7.4%#20 / 167 · 89th pct#12 / 70 · 84th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct#12 / 12 · 8th pct
Opp18.2%18.2%#23 / 166 · 87th pct#13 / 70 · 83rd pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Scheme Identity (2014– , play-by-play derived)
Rush rate over expected#15 / 145 · 90th pct#1 / 70 · 100th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct+8.3%+8.3%
Havoc rate
Team14.3%14.3%#102 / 140 · 28th pct#59 / 70 · 17th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Opp12.7%12.7%#26 / 140 · 82nd pct#13 / 70 · 83rd pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct
Standard-downs success
Team50.4%50.4%#46 / 154 · 71st pct#32 / 70 · 56th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct
Opp46.6%46.6%#61 / 172 · 65th pct#32 / 70 · 56th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct
Passing-downs success
Team34.0%34.0%#37 / 153 · 76th pct#22 / 70 · 70th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Opp29.1%29.1%#54 / 149 · 64th pct#30 / 70 · 59th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct
Line yards / carry
Team3.43.4#11 / 143 · 93rd pct#7 / 70 · 91st pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Opp2.92.9#76 / 155 · 52nd pct#46 / 70 · 36th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct
Stuff rate
Team12.2%12.2%#3 / 143 · 99th pct#1 / 70 · 100th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Opp19.4%19.4%#64 / 155 · 59th pct#37 / 70 · 49th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct
Power success rate
Team77.4%77.4%#24 / 137 · 83rd pct#16 / 70 · 79th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct
Opp53.3%53.3%#6 / 141 · 96th pct#4 / 70 · 96th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct
Efficiency
Completion %
Off61.5%#74 / 136 · 46th pct#46 / 70 · 36th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct
Def64.2%#100 / 136 · 27th pct#51 / 70 · 29th pct#11 / 12 · 17th pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
Yards / attempt
Off7.7#47 / 136 · 66th pct#30 / 70 · 59th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct
Def7.5#94 / 136 · 32nd pct#53 / 70 · 26th pct#8 / 12 · 42nd pct#10 / 12 · 25th pct
Yards / completion
Off12.5#36 / 136 · 74th pct#18 / 70 · 76th pct#4 / 12 · 75th pct#7 / 12 · 50th pct
Def11.7#80 / 136 · 42nd pct#52 / 70 · 27th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct
Yards / carry#14 / 136 · 90th pct#9 / 70 · 89th pct#1 / 12 · 100th pct#5 / 12 · 67th pct5.4
Yards / play#28 / 136 · 80th pct#19 / 70 · 74th pct#2 / 12 · 92nd pct#6 / 12 · 58th pct6.20
Scoring margin#52 / 136 · 62nd pct#36 / 70 · 50th pct#3 / 12 · 83rd pct#6 / 11 · 55th pct+5.8/gm
FBS rankings · 2025 season · all stats vs 136 FBS programs
Player stats — 2025 season
Quarterbacks
| Player | # | G | Cmp/Att | Pct | Yds | Y/A | TD | INT | Rate | QBR | Adj ANY/A | Sack% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrambler · +0.28 EPA/play | 13 | 13 | 188 / 303 | 62.0 | 2375 #73 FBS | 7.8 | 14 | 11 | 135.9 | 57.7 | 6.3 | 6.5 | |
Yards by week → ScramblerMakes plays with feet when the pocket collapses. Efficiency still on the rise. All-Conference honorable mention / 2nd team — the recognition has started. 45 of 183 QBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Rush usage34.7% 88th percentile · FBS QBs, min. 80 attempts Rush yards / carry5.5 93th percentile · FBS QBs, min. 80 attempts Trait fingerprint Plays like View Parker Navarro's full player page | |||||||||||||
Running Backs
| Player | # | G | Car | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | 3rd Dn Use | Pass Dn Use | Stuff% | 10+% | Tgt Share | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced Back · +0.12 EPA/play | 5 | 13 | 240 | 1392 #6 FBS | 5.8 | 15 #13 FBS | 49 | 16.3 | 21.3 | 8.9 | 14.8 | 5.5% (15/274) | |
Yards by week → Balanced BackPlays within the scheme — consistent production without a dominant dimension. All-Conference honorable mention / 2nd team — the recognition has started. 186 of 349 RBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Yards / carry5.8 69th percentile · FBS RBs, min. 40 carries Receiving share5.1% bottom 16th percentile · FBS RBs, min. 40 carries Trait fingerprint Plays like View Sieh Bangura's full player page | |||||||||||||
| Balanced Back · +0.09 EPA/play | 6 | 13 | 120 | 585 | 4.9 | 8 | 66 | 9.2 | 9.6 | 6.9 | 6.9 | — | |
Yards by week → Balanced Back· Boom-or-bustPlays within the scheme — consistent production without a dominant dimension. his yards come in chunks — feast or famine Starter — over 60% of the snaps, holding the job. The most common profile in its group this season — 186 of 349 classified this way. Played in 13 of 21 games this season · sophomore · 3-star, 2024 class View Duncan Brune's full player page | |||||||||||||
Receivers
| Player | # | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | 3rd Dn Use | Pass Dn Use | Tgt Share | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Technician · +0.66 EPA/play | 7 | 12 | 71 | 1037 #15 FBS | 14.6 | 7 #38 FBS | 67 | 14.4 | 18.5 | 39.8% (109/274) | |
Yards by week → Slot TechnicianRuns precise routes in tight quarters. Volume player who keeps chains moving. All-Conference honorable mention / 2nd team — the recognition has started. The rare part: the passing game runs through him — and every touch moves the offense, too 97 of 558 WRs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Reception volume71 98th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions Total EPA (college ability)66.1 100th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions — the part the label misses Trait fingerprint Plays like our readSustained Ascent: his CFB Index score shows two real climbs in a row — 1st to 58th to 97th percentile among FBS WRs | |||||||||||
| Possession Receiver · +0.59 EPA/play | 11 | 10 | 30 | 419 | 14.0 | 2 | 49 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 14.2% (39/274) | |
Yards by week → Possession ReceiverReliable target who converts on critical downs. Not flashy; consistently productive. 332 of 558 WRs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Yards / reception14.6 64th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions EPA / play (adj)0.6 67th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions Trait fingerprint Plays like View Rodney Harris II's full player page | |||||||||||
| Complete TE · +0.54 EPA/play | 85 | 13 | 27 | 285 | 10.6 | 3 | 30 | 2.6 | 2.6 | 12.4% (34/274) | |
Yards by week → Complete TENo single go-to route — the receiving numbers show up inline and split out alike. 177 of 223 TEs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Yards / reception12.4 66th percentile · FBS TEs, min. 8 receptions Reception volume27 66th percentile · FBS TEs, min. 8 receptions Trait fingerprint Plays like View Mason Williams's full player page | |||||||||||
| Possession Receiver · +0.04 EPA/play | 88 | 9 | 12 | 162 | 13.5 | 0 | 35 | 3.8 | 3 | 7.3% (20/274) | |
Yards by week → Possession ReceiverReliable target who converts on critical downs. Not flashy; consistently productive. 332 of 558 WRs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Yards / reception5.9 bottom 3th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions EPA / play (adj)0.0 bottom 5th percentile · FBS WRs, min. 12 receptions Trait fingerprint Plays like View Caleb Gossett's full player page | |||||||||||
| +0.16 EPA/play | 19 | 7 | 11 | 119 | 10.8 | 0 | 35 | 3 | 3.8 | 6.2% (17/274) | |
Yards by week → | |||||||||||
| +0.16 EPA/play | 3 | 4 | 7 | 86 | 12.3 | 0 | 24 | 7.5 | 6.5 | — | |
Yards by week → | |||||||||||
| Red-Zone Weapon · +0.97 EPA/play | 86 | 8 | 8 | 78 | 9.8 | 2 | 16 | 3.3 | 3.4 | — | |
Yards by week → Red-Zone WeaponThe first read called near the goal line — size and catch radius do the rest. 12 of 223 TEs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt TD rate25.0% 98th percentile · FBS TEs, min. 8 receptions EPA / play (adj)1.0 91th percentile · FBS TEs, min. 8 receptions Trait fingerprint Plays like View Jake Bruno's full player page | |||||||||||
| +0.69 EPA/play | 12 | 4 | 6 | 75 | 12.5 | 0 | 25 | 2.3 | 1.4 | — | |
Yards by week → | |||||||||||
Defensive Line
| Player | # | G | Tot | Solo | TFL | Sack | Hur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tech Penetrator | 15 | 11 | 33 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 5 |
3-Tech PenetratorDisruptive interior rusher who lives in the backfield. Part-time starter — splitting the role or filling in on injury. 269 of 809 IDLs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt TFL rate27.3% 91th percentile · FBS interior linemen, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Anas Luqman's full player page | |||||||
| Finisher | 12 | 11 | 28 | 15 | 8 | 6 #74 FBS | 4 |
FinisherTurns pressure into sacks — when he gets there, he finishes. All-Conference honorable mention / 2nd team — the recognition has started. 16 of 200 EDGEs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Pressure-to-sack conversion0.6 79th percentile · FBS EDGE, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Jay Crable's full player page | |||||||
| Two-Gap Base | 44 | 11 | 28 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Two-Gap BaseStout at the point of attack — steady tackle-for-loss production without a standout pass-rush number. Part-time starter — splitting the role or filling in on injury. The most common profile in its group this season — 388 of 809 classified this way. Played in 11 of 21 games this season · junior View Nehemiah Dukes's full player page | |||||||
| Nose Anchor | 10 | 8 | 22 | 12 | 2.5 | 0 | 4 |
Nose AnchorThe heaviest frame on the interior. Sack production is intentionally not the point of this profile. 152 of 809 IDLs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Weight325 lb 93th percentile · FBS interior linemen, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Pius Odjugo's full player page | |||||||
| 3-Tech Penetrator | 57 | 10 | 16 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
3-Tech PenetratorDisruptive interior rusher who lives in the backfield. 269 of 809 IDLs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt TFL rate6.2% bottom 19th percentile · FBS interior linemen, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Nathan Hale's full player page | |||||||
| 3-Tech Penetrator | 11 | 8 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
3-Tech PenetratorDisruptive interior rusher who lives in the backfield. 269 of 809 IDLs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt TFL rate15.4% 53th percentile · FBS interior linemen, min. 10 tackles Plays like View Evan Herrmann's full player page | |||||||
| 97 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 0.5 | 0 | 1 | |
| 98 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1.5 | 3 | |
| 16 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| 99 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 4 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| 14 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
Linebackers
| Player | # | G | Tot | Solo | Ast | TFL | Sack | PD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced Linebacker | 30 | 10 | 63 | 32 | 31 | 3 | 1.5 | 2 | 0 |
Balanced LinebackerSolid in every phase without a signature dimension. Part-time starter — splitting the role or filling in on injury. 362 of 660 LBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Tackle volume63 67th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles TFL rate4.8% bottom 26th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles Trait fingerprint Plays like View Charlie Christopher's full player page | |||||||||
| Coverage 'Backer | 25 | 8 | 62 | 24 | 38 | 5 | 1.5 | 3 | 0 |
Coverage 'BackerCarries tight ends and patrols the middle of the field in coverage. Part-time starter — splitting the role or filling in on injury. 99 of 660 LBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt PD rate4.8% 79th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles Tackle volume62 65th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles Trait fingerprint Plays like View Michael Molnar's full player page | |||||||||
| Coverage 'Backer | 27 | 8 | 54 | 25 | 29 | 3 | 0.5 | 5 | 1 |
Coverage 'BackerCarries tight ends and patrols the middle of the field in coverage. Part-time starter — splitting the role or filling in on injury. 99 of 660 LBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt PD rate9.3% 99th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles Sack rate0.9% bottom 29th percentile · FBS linebackers, min. 15 tackles Trait fingerprint Plays like our readBreakout: his CFB Index score climbed from the 0th percentile to the 65th among FBS LBs | |||||||||
| Balanced Linebacker | 24 | 10 | 45 | 21 | 24 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Balanced LinebackerSolid in every phase without a signature dimension. The most common profile in its group this season — 362 of 660 classified this way. Played in 10 of 21 games this season · senior View Cameron Hollobaugh's full player page | |||||||||
| — | 8 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 32 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Defensive Backs
| Player | # | G | Tot | PD | INT | TFL | Sack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Safety | 22 | 13 | 86 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
Box SafetyLives near the line of scrimmage as a de facto extra linebacker. Impact starter — above-average production for the conference. 166 of 801 Ss we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Tackle volume86 98th percentile · FBS safeties, min. 15 tackles Plays like our readTwo-star recruit — top-quartile production against his own recruiting profile our readReinvented: changed shape entirely — Hybrid Nickel to Box Safety, his CFB Index score now sits at the 78th percentile among FBS Ss, up from the 9th | |||||||
| Box Safety | 5 | 12 | 75 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
Box SafetyLives near the line of scrimmage as a de facto extra linebacker. Impact starter — above-average production for the conference. 166 of 801 Ss we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Tackle volume75 94th percentile · FBS safeties, min. 15 tackles Plays like our readAscending: his CFB Index score moved from the 34th to 69th percentile among FBS Ss | |||||||
| Box Safety | 2 | 12 | 55 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
Box SafetyLives near the line of scrimmage as a de facto extra linebacker. Part-time starter — splitting the role or filling in on injury. 166 of 801 Ss we've classified this way this season. Season receipt Tackle volume55 73th percentile · FBS safeties, min. 15 tackles Plays like View DJ Walker's full player page | |||||||
| Perimeter Tackler | 7 | 11 | 49 | 8 #45 FBS | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Perimeter Tackler· Takeaway threatTargeted often and asked to tackle in space on the perimeter. the kind of DB who takes it back the other way All-Conference honorable mention / 2nd team — the recognition has started. 42 of 270 CBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt View Tank Pearson's full player pageTackle volume49 92th percentile · FBS corners, min. 10 tackles | |||||||
| Cover Corner | 9 | 9 | 35 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Cover CornerSteady in coverage; doesn't get beat deep and rarely gives up the big play. 141 of 270 CBs we've classified this way this season. Season receipt PD rate0.0% bottom 8th percentile · FBS corners, min. 10 tackles Plays like our readBreakout: his CFB Index score climbed from the 4th percentile to the 62nd among FBS CBs | |||||||
| 3 | 6 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 20 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| 29 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Kicking
| Player | # | G | FG M/A | FG% | XP M/A | Pts | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 8 | 3/5 | 60 | 23/26 | 32 | 45 | |
| 46 | 5 | 3/6 | 50 | 16/18 | 25 | 44 |
Punting
| Player | # | G | No | Yds | Avg | Long | In20 | TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steady | 42 | 12 | 40 | 1693 | 42.3 | 68 | 13 | 3 |
Net average is unavailable — CFBD's punting feed carries gross yards only, with no return-yardage or touchback deduction.
Kick Returns
| Player | # | G | No | Yds | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -0.46 EPA/play | 10 | 7 | 9 | 182 | 20.2 | 0 | 58 |
Punt Returns
| Player | # | G | No | Yds | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Technician · +0.66 EPA/play | 7 | 12 | 8 | 143 | 17.9 | 0 | 52 |
| +0.16 EPA/play | 3 | 4 | 3 | 19 | 6.3 | 0 | 18 |
2025 stat leaders
final
2025 stat leaders
1.
Sieh Bangura
RB
1,392 yds (rush)
2.
Chase Hendricks
WR
1,037 yds (rec)
3.
Jalen Thomeson
S
86.0 tot (def)
4.
Adonis Williams Jr.
S
75.0 tot (def)
5.
Charlie Christopher
LB
63.0 tot (def)
Roster
2025
21
players carry a qualified CFB Index Score this season.
Chase Hendricks
WR
#16 of 485
Sieh Bangura
RB
#22 of 326
Jay Crable
EDGE
#84 of 420
Tank Pearson
CB
#77 of 364
Jalen Thomeson
S
#121 of 544
Parker Navarro
QB
#45 of 146
+15 more
Ohio · 2025 schedule & results9-4Soft slateAverage opponent win rate 44% · 1 AP top-25 opponent on the schedule.
| Wk | Date | Us | Opp | Line | Opponent | Result | Record | Conf |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 28 | #61 | #66 | +15.5 | @Rutgers | L 31–34 122 | 0-1 | 0-0 |
| 2 | Sep 6 | #57 | #106 | +3.5 | West Virginia | W 17–10 134 | 1-1 | 0-0 |
| 3 | Sep 13 | #65 | #2 | +28.5 | @Ohio State | L 9–37 117 | 1-2 | 0-0 |
| 4 | Sep 20 | #60 | #170 | -30.5 | Gardner-Webb | W 52–35 74 | 2-2 | 0-0 |
| 5 | Sep 27 | #66 | #115 | -7.5 | Bowling Green | W 35–20 126 | 3-2 | 1-0 |
| 6 | Oct 4 | #65 | #212 | -14.5 | @Ball State | L 14–20 140 | 3-3 | 1-1 |
| 8 | Oct 18 | #74 | #146 | -11.5 | Northern Illinois | W 48–21 131 | 4-3 | 1-1 |
| 9 | Oct 25 | #68 | #169 | -12 | @Eastern Michigan | W 28–21 129 | 5-3 | 2-1 |
| 11 | Nov 5 | #68 | #63 | -2.5 | Miami (OH) | W 24–20 118 | 6-3 | 3-1 |
| 12 | Nov 12 | #69 | #71 | +1.5 | @Western Michigan | L 13–17 114 | 6-4 | 3-2 |
| 13 | Nov 19 | #66 | #263 | -34.5 | Massachusetts | W 42–14 132 | 7-4 | 4-2 |
| 14 | Nov 28 | #63 | #143 | -7 | @Buffalo | W 31–26 137 | 8-4 | 5-2 |
| Bowl Season | ||||||||
| 17 | Dec 24 | #66 | #63 | +6 | UNLV (N) | W 17–10 | 9-4 | 5-2 |
Advanced box score (EPA, success rate, explosiveness)▼
| Date | Opp | Result | Yds | TO | TOP | EPA/play | Success% | Explosive% | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 24 | UNLV | W 17–10 | — | — | — | +0.113 | 47.5% | 98.3% | One-score win |
| Nov 28 | @Buffalo | W 31–26 | 506 | 3 | 38:04 | +0.242 | 48.7% | 108.2% | One-score win |
| Nov 19 | Massachusetts | W 42–14 | 391 | 1 | 32:43 | +0.285 | 48.5% | 116.2% | Blowout win |
| Nov 12 | @Western Michigan | L 13–17 | 287 | 1 | 28:46 | +0.157 | 38.3% | 127.0% | One-score loss |
| Nov 5 | Miami (OH) | W 24–20 | 338 | 2 | 27:10 | +0.152 | 43.5% | 111.2% | One-score win |
| Oct 25 | @Eastern Michigan | W 28–21 | 487 | 2 | 35:40 | +0.176 | 46.2% | 124.1% | One-score win |
| Oct 18 | Northern Illinois | W 48–21 | 538 | 1 | 35:50 | +0.426 | 57.3% | 123.1% | Best success rate |
| Oct 4 | @Ball State | L 14–20 | 358 | 0 | 28:09 | +0.157 | 41.5% | 142.1% | One-score loss |
| Sep 27 | Bowling Green | W 35–20 | 446 | 3 | 29:29 | +0.211 | 45.3% | 138.3% | |
| Sep 20 | Gardner-Webb | W 52–35 | 609 | 0 | 33:59 | +0.457 | 56.8% | 126.2% | Season-high EPA/play |
| Sep 13 | @Ohio State | L 9–37 | 181 | 0 | 27:17 | -0.061 | 25.9% | 124.9% | Season-low EPA/play |
| Sep 6 | West Virginia | W 17–10 | 429 | 3 | 40:15 | +0.019 | 39.2% | 99.8% | Best defensive stand |
| Aug 28 | @Rutgers | L 31–34 | 440 | 0 | 28:15 | +0.242 | 39.3% | 146.8% | Most explosive |
| Season average (13 games) | 418 | 1.3 | +0.198 | 44.5% | 122.0% | ||||
How They Play · 2025
How They Play · 2025Ohio fields a strong run-heavy, methodical, ball-control offense behind a solid defense.
Opponent-adjusted percentiles vs all FBS. Bar = where this team ranks — right is better.
Team identity · competitive snaps only
How Ohio actually scores
67th percentile quality, 18th percentile boom-dependency. Garbage time excluded from both axes — the same correction that changes the Q4 story below.
View all FBS teams as a table
| Team | Quality percentile | Boom-share percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | 86th | 11th |
| Akron | 12th | 89th |
| Alabama | 58th | 17th |
| App State | 35th | 47th |
| Arizona | 64th | 37th |
| Arizona State | 41st | 62nd |
| Arkansas | 90th | 12th |
| Arkansas State | 17th | 66th |
| Army | 57th | 43rd |
| Auburn | 47th | 53rd |
| BYU | 78th | 19th |
| Baylor | 69th | 25th |
| Boise State | 66th | 20th |
| Boston College | 37th | 54th |
| Bowling Green | 2nd | 98th |
| Buffalo | 11th | 88th |
| California | 28th | 48th |
| Central Michigan | 52nd | 64th |
| Cincinnati | 89th | 16th |
| Clemson | 51st | 48th |
| Coastal Carolina | 17th | 83rd |
| Colorado | 18th | 84th |
| Colorado State | 16th | 83rd |
| Delaware | 38th | 58th |
| Duke | 80th | 14th |
| East Carolina | 63rd | 36th |
| Eastern Michigan | 49th | 42nd |
| Florida | 30th | 67th |
| Florida Atlantic | 62nd | 59th |
| Florida International | 42nd | 50th |
| Florida State | 83rd | 32nd |
| Fresno State | 26th | 73rd |
| Georgia | 81st | 3rd |
| Georgia Southern | 73rd | 21st |
| Georgia State | 36th | 70th |
| Georgia Tech | 84th | 5th |
| Hawai'i | 64th | 41st |
| Houston | 27th | 65th |
| Illinois | 75th | 26th |
| Indiana | 95th | 1st |
| Iowa | 44th | 40th |
| Iowa State | 68th | 22nd |
| Jacksonville State | 54th | 38th |
| James Madison | 65th | 44th |
| Kansas | 85th | 28th |
| Kansas State | 71st | 49th |
| Kennesaw State | 56th | 30th |
| Kent State | 21st | 86th |
| Kentucky | 15th | 85th |
| LSU | 14th | 81st |
| Liberty | 43rd | 56th |
| Louisiana | 19th | 73rd |
| Louisiana Tech | 39th | 61st |
| Louisville | 48th | 64th |
| Marshall | 55th | 39th |
| Maryland | 30th | 74th |
| Memphis | 80th | 24th |
| Miami | 76th | 5th |
| Miami (OH) | 34th | 67th |
| Michigan | 67th | 33rd |
| Michigan State | 27th | 75th |
| Middle Tennessee | 39th | 52nd |
| Minnesota | 29th | 77th |
| Mississippi State | 22nd | 77th |
| Missouri | 61st | 30th |
| Missouri State | 55th | 46th |
| NC State | 86th | 23rd |
| Navy | 94th | 17th |
| Nebraska | 48th | 57th |
| Nevada | 3rd | 97th |
| New Mexico | 58th | 60th |
| New Mexico State | 9th | 87th |
| North Carolina | 13th | 89th |
| North Texas | 98th | 7th |
| Northern Illinois | 8th | 92nd |
| Northwestern | 52nd | 36th |
| Notre Dame | 99th | 20th |
| Ohio | 67th | 18th |
| Ohio State | 93rd | 4th |
| Oklahoma | 20th | 80th |
| Oklahoma State | 5th | 95th |
| Old Dominion | 83rd | 45th |
| Ole Miss | 89th | 2nd |
| Oregon | 91st | 10th |
| Oregon State | 2nd | 98th |
| Penn State | 73rd | 33rd |
| Pittsburgh | 60th | 39th |
| Purdue | 25th | 78th |
| Rice | 6th | 94th |
| Rutgers | 70th | 27th |
| SMU | 74th | 42nd |
| Sam Houston | 4th | 96th |
| San Diego State | 24th | 76th |
| San José State | 45th | 69th |
| South Alabama | 36th | 58th |
| South Carolina | 23rd | 86th |
| South Florida | 87th | 23rd |
| Southern Miss | 40th | 55th |
| Stanford | 10th | 90th |
| Syracuse | 5th | 95th |
| TCU | 72nd | 35th |
| Temple | 70th | 34th |
| Tennessee | 96th | 11th |
| Texas | 45th | 55th |
| Texas A&M | 82nd | 14th |
| Texas State | 92nd | 8th |
| Texas Tech | 77th | 31st |
| Toledo | 50th | 61st |
| Troy | 14th | 80th |
| Tulane | 79th | 15th |
| Tulsa | 20th | 70th |
| UAB | 61st | 45th |
| UCF | 33rd | 82nd |
| UCLA | 23rd | 79th |
| UConn | 95th | 13th |
| UL Monroe | 11th | 92nd |
| UNLV | 88th | 9th |
| USC | 98th | 2nd |
| UTEP | 1st | 99th |
| UTSA | 77th | 51st |
| Utah | 97th | 6th |
| Utah State | 46th | 63rd |
| Vanderbilt | 100th | 0th |
| Virginia | 59th | 27th |
| Virginia Tech | 32nd | 71st |
| Wake Forest | 42nd | 72nd |
| Washington | 92nd | 8th |
| Washington State | 33rd | 52nd |
| West Virginia | 7th | 93rd |
| Western Kentucky | 53rd | 29th |
| Western Michigan | 31st | 68th |
| Wisconsin | 0th | 100th |
| Wyoming | 8th | 91st |
Fourth-quarter reliability, corrected
Ohio's 4th-quarter offense, before and after garbage time
Raw Q4 EPA/play ranks 28th percentile in FBS. Strip out snaps taken with a blowout margin and it climbs to the 37th — the correction is the finding, not a footnote.
Standard downs vs. passing downs
Does Ohio hold up once the down-and-distance turns against them?
69th percentile success on standard downs, 76th on passing downs — little dropoff between the two — a schedule-independent identity.
View all FBS teams as a table
| Team | Standard-downs percentile | Passing-downs percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | 82nd | 69th |
| Akron | 20th | 36th |
| Alabama | 47th | 76th |
| App State | 41st | 80th |
| Arizona | 54th | 54th |
| Arizona State | 40th | 37th |
| Arkansas | 90th | 97th |
| Arkansas State | 51st | 40th |
| Army | 37th | 44th |
| Auburn | 73rd | 24th |
| Austin Peay | 56th | 13th |
| BYU | 91st | 46th |
| Ball State | 5th | 3rd |
| Baylor | 70th | 77th |
| Boise State | 42nd | 63rd |
| Boston College | 56th | 54th |
| Bowling Green | 10th | 17th |
| Bryant | 7th | 2nd |
| Buffalo | 29th | 20th |
| California | 25th | 66th |
| Central Michigan | 57th | 11th |
| Charlotte | 7th | 7th |
| Cincinnati | 89th | 65th |
| Clemson | 49th | 34th |
| Coastal Carolina | 16th | 22nd |
| Colorado | 8th | 48th |
| Colorado State | 29th | 35th |
| Delaware | 66th | 31st |
| Duke | 82nd | 63rd |
| East Carolina | 63rd | 91st |
| Eastern Michigan | 46th | 67th |
| Florida | 52nd | 45th |
| Florida Atlantic | 44th | 61st |
| Florida International | 50th | 26th |
| Florida State | 65th | 90th |
| Fresno State | 22nd | 71st |
| Georgia | 95th | 69th |
| Georgia Southern | 64th | 84th |
| Georgia State | 22nd | 75th |
| Georgia Tech | 92nd | 89th |
| Hawai'i | 33rd | 87th |
| Houston | 61st | 29th |
| Idaho | 30th | 78th |
| Idaho State | 93rd | 14th |
| Illinois | 79th | 95th |
| Indiana | 97th | 98th |
| Iowa | 74th | 19th |
| Iowa State | 80th | 58th |
| Jacksonville State | 59th | 56th |
| James Madison | 77th | 52nd |
| Kansas | 99th | 82nd |
| Kansas State | 37th | 59th |
| Kennesaw State | 44th | 67th |
| Kent State | 15th | 5th |
| Kentucky | 62nd | 29th |
| LSU | 18th | 52nd |
| Lafayette | 0th | 12th |
| Liberty | 65th | 53rd |
| Lindenwood | 4th | 1st |
| Long Island University | 24th | 78th |
| Louisiana | 24th | 23rd |
| Louisiana Tech | 41st | 24th |
| Louisville | 84th | 32nd |
| Maine | 3rd | 18th |
| Marshall | 71st | 62nd |
| Maryland | 11th | 86th |
| Massachusetts | 5th | 9th |
| Memphis | 75th | 68th |
| Merrimack | 1st | 83rd |
| Miami | 80th | 64th |
| Miami (OH) | 33rd | 39th |
| Michigan | 73rd | 74th |
| Michigan State | 48th | 39th |
| Middle Tennessee | 69th | 47th |
| Minnesota | 35th | 33rd |
| Mississippi State | 52nd | 35th |
| Missouri | 76th | 50th |
| Missouri State | 32nd | 50th |
| Murray State | 1st | 6th |
| NC State | 58th | 71st |
| Navy | 95th | 72nd |
| Nebraska | 78th | 51st |
| Nevada | 17th | 16th |
| New Mexico | 38th | 60th |
| New Mexico State | 16th | 33rd |
| North Carolina | 14th | 30th |
| North Texas | 100th | 97th |
| Northern Illinois | 9th | 5th |
| Northwestern | 48th | 88th |
| Notre Dame | 88th | 99th |
| Ohio | 69th | 76th |
| Ohio State | 99th | 99th |
| Oklahoma | 39th | 41st |
| Oklahoma State | 14th | 7th |
| Old Dominion | 72nd | 79th |
| Ole Miss | 83rd | 95th |
| Oregon | 93rd | 55th |
| Oregon State | 54th | 25th |
| Penn State | 76th | 73rd |
| Pittsburgh | 35th | 56th |
| Purdue | 46th | 88th |
| Rice | 20th | 0th |
| Rutgers | 71st | 84th |
| SMU | 50th | 57th |
| Sam Houston | 26th | 4th |
| San Diego State | 84th | 1st |
| San José State | 68th | 70th |
| South Alabama | 53rd | 28th |
| South Carolina | 31st | 8th |
| South Carolina State | 10th | 3rd |
| South Florida | 86th | 46th |
| Southern Miss | 27th | 38th |
| Stanford | 12th | 12th |
| Syracuse | 19th | 10th |
| TCU | 63rd | 82nd |
| Temple | 85th | 22nd |
| Tennessee | 97th | 81st |
| Texas | 27th | 61st |
| Texas A&M | 88th | 59th |
| Texas State | 60th | 93rd |
| Texas Tech | 45th | 65th |
| Toledo | 67th | 42nd |
| Troy | 18th | 27th |
| Tulane | 81st | 86th |
| Tulsa | 43rd | 43rd |
| UAB | 34th | 94th |
| UCF | 39th | 20th |
| UCLA | 28th | 48th |
| UConn | 96th | 37th |
| UL Monroe | 13th | 14th |
| UNLV | 78th | 85th |
| USC | 94th | 90th |
| UT Martin | 2nd | 41st |
| UTEP | 3rd | 10th |
| UTSA | 67th | 92nd |
| Utah | 87th | 96th |
| Utah State | 31st | 49th |
| Vanderbilt | 90th | 100th |
| Virginia | 36th | 73rd |
| Virginia Tech | 59th | 21st |
| Wake Forest | 21st | 31st |
| Washington | 98th | 93rd |
| Washington State | 61st | 44th |
| West Virginia | 12th | 18th |
| Western Kentucky | 55th | 80th |
| Western Michigan | 86th | 16th |
| Wisconsin | 6th | 27th |
| Wyoming | 23rd | 15th |
Halftime identity
Ohio by half
1st-half offense ranks 70th percentile in FBS; 2nd-half, 68th — competitive snaps only, garbage time excluded from both halves.
Schedule mirage
How much of Ohio's number is the schedule?
Raw EPA/play through week 21 is 0.20; 78th percentile once opponent strength is stripped out, it's 0.06. The widest gap came in week 1: 0.24 raw vs. 0.04 adjusted.
Ohio reads strongest in rushing epa (top 19%) and success rate (top 31%); the crux lives in explosive plays allowed, where Ohio sits at the 31st percentile.
offense · strengths lead
defense · higher bar = harder to play against
hidden math · special situations
ELITE · 90+STRONG · 70+AVERAGE · 40-70CONCERN · 10-40BOTTOM · <10
Most Similar Programs · Ohio
Most Similar Programs · OhioReads Like
CharlotteTier 3 · Prestige T2 · Similarly-sized rosters up frontColorado StateTier 3 · Prestige T2 · Similarly-sized rosters up frontEast CarolinaTier 3 · Prestige T2 · Similarly-sized rosters up front
Static-attribute similarity across tier, archetype, conference, and voice. Not a prediction — a calibration.
Home-Field Advantage · Ohio · 2018-present
Elite
77% home win rate vs 46% on the road. margin runs +10.5 better at home. Peden Stadium seats 24,000, averaging 78% full (18,836 attendance, 24 games reported).
Home34-10Away20-23
Positional competition · RB room
The carries are split. The job isn’t.
Sieh Bangura and Duncan Brune split the carries (242/359 vs 117/359) -- but the job isn't split the same way.
Sieh BanguraDuncan Brune
Carries
the baseline -- every row below is tested against this split, not a flat 50/50
Inside the 5
shared -- dots touch, this room really is a committee here
Q4, leading (competitive)
shared -- dots touch, this room really is a committee here
Targets
shared -- dots touch, this room really is a committee here
Top-5-carry share
concentration alone -- EPA/carry doesn't corroborate, read with caution
Screened 4 claims, 0 survived, 4 falsified
Positional competition · WR/TE room
The targets are split. The job isn’t.
Chase Hendricks (WR) and Mason Williams (TE) split the targets (105/137 vs 32/137) -- but the job isn't split the same way.
Chase HendricksMason Williams
Targets
the baseline -- every row below is tested against this split, not a flat 50/50
3rd-down targets
shared -- dots touch, this room really is a committee here
Top-5-catch share
concentration alone -- EPA/target doesn't corroborate, read with caution
Screened 2 claims, 0 survived, 2 falsified
What changed
Ohio’s play-calling, before and after the change
Offense: Brian Smith (2024) → Scott Isphording (2025)
Play-calling barely moved on the change — every rate held within a few points.
1st-down pass rate
Red-zone pass rate
Defense: John Hauser / co-Nate Faanes (2024) → John Hauser (2025)
Play-calling barely moved on the change — every rate held within a few points.
1st-down pass rate
Red-zone pass rate
Defensive identity · pass zones
What this defense gives up, by zone.
On short passes, Ohio’s defense allows a completion rate above the FBS mean (66.8% vs 65.9% league-wide, shrunk toward the mean for its 118-play sample) — mid-pack, 87 of 133 qualifying defenses.
We won’t show a deep-ball leaderboard here: at the defense level, most teams face well under 30 rich-feed deep targets all season — too thin to tell a real tendency from noise, so we won’t guess.
Screened 133 claims, 133 survived · 2025 only, in the 399 games with the detailed play-text feed; n=118 short-zone plays faced, raw rate 67.8%
Venue texture
61°F average kickoff temp; 9% of games had measurable precipitation; 6 mph average wind.
Based on 68 home games with weather data.
The CFP Era
12 seasons inside the CFP era, no bids yet — the era the program is still trying to break into.
TRAJECTORY · quality-score line · AP rank dotted · CFP bids marked · coach regimes ribboned
Program Quality
AP Rank (inverted)
CFP Appearance
Ohio's 2014–2025 record is 92-55. The era is still being written; the CFP line is the one the program is arguing for.
All-Time Record
348-409-9
since 1905 · 92 seasons · .454 win rate
HOME
194-136-5
AWAY
144-261-4
NEUTRAL
10-12
1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
The program, in full — read the essay
Ohio won its seventh straight bowl game last December under a coach who had been on the job for two weeks. That's the program in one sentence: keep winning, whoever's driving.
The Bobcats play out of Peden Stadium in Athens, in the Appalachian foothills of southeast Ohio — one of the most genuinely scenic game-day settings in college football, with a grass berm where students watch from the hill like it's a different era entirely. Frank Solich built the modern foundation over 16 seasons, turning a mid-major also-ran into a MAC fixture with championship-game appearances and a culture of well-coached, physical football that outlasted his tenure. The 2024 MAC title — the program's first since 1968, a 38-3 rout of Miami (OH) in the largest winning margin in title-game history — was the moment the Solich-era investment finally cashed its biggest check.
The 2025 offseason proceeded to demonstrate what Ohio does when everything goes wrong: it wins anyway. Tim Albin, who coached the title team, left for Charlotte before the confetti dried. His replacement Brian Smith went 8-4 and was fired for cause in December amid a misconduct investigation. Defensive coordinator John Hauser — the program's third head coach in three seasons — took over for the Frisco Bowl, beat 10-win UNLV 17-10, and was promoted to the permanent job. Seven straight bowl wins, three coaches, zero broken streaks. The fanbase's pride in this is specific and not ironic: Athens itself is the constant. Coaches leave because the program is worth raiding; the program survives because the culture is deeper than any one coach.
The 2026 question is whether Hauser can be the hire that stays. The bowl streak is the program's most visible credential; the MAC title and the coaching stability it would take to repeat it are the things the fanbase is actually watching for. Can Hauser — a first-time head coach who won his debut bowl game — build the kind of multi-year tenure that Solich had, and turn the revolving door into a foundation?
How they play
Southeast-Ohio tough: a physical, well-schemed MAC program built on disciplined line play, a reliable run game, and low-turnover football that wins with preparation and game-plan execution rather than talent gaps. The Bobcats historically build through the MAC transfer market and in-region recruiting, prioritizing scheme-fit over upside. Defense and field position are the identity — the offense is built to protect leads, not create them out of nothing.
Steady
Ohio 2016–2025. Holding the line. The 10-year slope (-0.01 rungs / yr) doesn't tilt either way — the program lives at roughly Tier 3.
CFP Era · Ohio
12 seasons on file
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
down middle peak CFP year
Season Standing · 2025 · 9-4
Season Standing · 2025 · 9-4Bowl eligible
Ohio: 6+ wins, bowl access secured. The baseline of a successful FBS year.
R0R1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8R9
Sub-FBSBuildingBowlRankedContenderPlayoff
Mid-American Standing · 2025
2nd in the Mid-American
Ohio is 2nd in the Mid-American at 5-2. 1 team above — that's the direct path to the title game.
| # | Program | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Michigan | 7-1 |
| 2 | Ohio | 5-2 |
| 3 | Toledo | 5-2 |
| 4 | Central Michigan | 5-3 |
| 5 | Miami (OH) | 5-3 |
| 6 | Akron | 4-4 |
| 7 | Buffalo | 4-4 |
| 8 | Ball State | 3-4 |
| 9 | Kent State | 3-4 |
| 10 | Eastern Michigan | 2-5 |
| 11 | Bowling Green | 2-6 |
| 12 | Sacramento State | 0-0 |
| 13 | Massachusetts | 0-7 |
Coaching Era · Ohio
Coaching Era · OhioJohn Hauser
John Hauser took over from Brian Smith for the 2026 season.
Era John Hauser · 2026–presentPrev: Brian Smith (2025)OC: Scott IsphordingPrev OC: Brian Smith (2024)DC: Kurt MattixPrev DC: John Hauser (2025)
1
year · era
Rituals
Three gameday rituals — the ones outsiders never quite catch.
Peden Stadium Hill Setting
since 1929
Peden Stadium — built 1929 into a natural hillside — is one of CFB's most-architecturally-distinct venues. The 24,000 capacity + the hill backdrop + the southeast-Ohio Appalachian Foothills geography + the on-campus location + the 'OU Oh Yeah!' chant create a venue uniquely Ohio (the MAC program, not to be confused with Ohio State).
Frank Solich Tenure (2005-2020)
since 2005
Frank Solich's 2005-2020 tenure — coming from the Nebraska firing — became the longest sustained head-coach run in modern Ohio football. Multiple MAC championship game appearances + bowl wins + 115 total wins. Solich's 2021 retirement opened Tim Albin's tenure (formerly Solich's offensive coordinator). The Solich era is the program's modern peak.
Battle of the Bricks (vs Miami OH)
since 1908
Ohio-Miami (OH) plays the Battle of the Bricks — first played 1908 — for the brick trophy. The In-State MAC rivalry has produced 110+ meetings + multiple division championships at stake. The 'brick' trophy is the literal brick from each campus.
Program memory
What this program never forgets
Most weeks vanish. These didn’t.
2024 MAC Championship
Ohio routed Miami (OH) 38-3 — the largest margin in MAC title-game history and the program's first conference crown since 1968
2025 Frisco Bowl win
Beat 10-win UNLV 17-10 under interim coach John Hauser for a seventh straight bowl victory
Moment of the Year · Ohio · 2025
Moment of the Year · Ohio · 2025Lost 9-37 at Ohio State
Week 3 of 2025. A reckoning loss — the data point the next season must answer.
Bowl / Postseason Ledger
Bowl / Postseason LedgerRecent postseason (2015-2025): 7-2
Most recent: 2025 — win 17-10 (home). Last 5 postseason: 5-0.
20252024202320222019
Unit lineage
Ohio’s offense and defense, by coordinator
FBS-relative efficiency percentile per season (2014–2025), same population as the Coordinator Mirror board. Dashed vertical lines mark a coordinator change.
Offense2014–2025
2014–2020 · Tim Albin2021–2023 · co-Allen Rudolph / co-Scott Isphording2024 · Brian Smith2025 (ongoing) · Scott Isphording
Defense2014–2025
2014–2016 · co-Jim Burrow2017–2018 · co-Jim Burrow / co-Ron Collins2019–2021 · co-Ron Collins / co-Pete Germano2022–2023 · Spence Nowinsky2024 · John Hauser / co-Nate Faanes2025 · John Hauser
Hired for 2026: Kurt Mattix — not yet reflected in on-field data.
Elite (≥70th pct)AveragePoor (≤30th pct)
Chronicle Visuals
Among the most continuous rosters into 2025 — 65% back, anchored by the qb room, only offense to settle.
The portal upgraded the CB room but opened a hole at EDGE.
Ohio converts recruit talent into draft picks better than its class rank suggests.
r/cfb moments
209
[Postgame Thread] Duquesne Defeats Ohio 28-26
181
[Postgame Thread] Ohio Defeats Buffalo 45-24
128
[Postgame Thread] Buffalo Defeats Ohio 27-26
All-time top community posts · ranked by upvotes
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