The Ohio Bobcats capped the 2025 campaign with a 17‑10 victory over the UNLV Rebels in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl, a win that secured third place in the Mid‑American Conference and finished the season at 9‑4.
Quarterback Parker Navarro anchored the offense, throwing for 2,375 yards while adding 886 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns, but his departure leaves a sizable void.
Running back Sieh Bangura, who earned first‑team All‑MAC honors after amassing 1,392 yards on 5.8 yards per carry and 15 touchdowns, also exited, as did wide receiver Chase Hendricks, a second‑team All‑MAC selection with 1,037 receiving yards and seven scores.
The roster losses extended beyond the offensive stars, with several All‑MAC linemen and defensive standouts either transferring or exhausting eligibility.
Nevertheless, the Bobcats retain key contributors such as running back Duncan Brune, who posted 120 carries for 585 yards and eight touchdowns, and safety DJ Walker, who recorded 37 solo tackles and two interceptions.
New head coach John Hauser is now tasked with retooling the squad, turning to high‑upside transfers and a recruiting class that includes incoming freshman quarterback Levi Davis, a three‑star dual‑threat from Olentangy Orange High School in Columbus.
The 2026 slate will feature only one matchup against a high‑major opponent — UNLV — while the rest of the schedule appears more manageable, giving Hauser a chance to imprint his identity on the program.
A New Era for Ohio Football
The 2025 season marked the end of an era for Ohio football, and the upcoming year will test whether John Hauser can translate the promising recruiting pipeline into sustained success.