Braves Prepare for a Competitive 2026 Schedule
Ottawa University’s football team capped the 2025 season with four consecutive victories, a performance that propelled the Braves to a second‑place finish in the KCAC Dr. Ted Kessinger Division preseason coaches’ poll and earned them 20 points.
Head coach Nick Davis, now in his second year at the helm, has framed the upcoming campaign around growth and team culture. His mantra is simple: win every game by fostering a mindset of accountability, family and resilience in the face of adversity.
The program’s identity emphasizes a close‑knit family atmosphere, where each player is expected to uphold standards of discipline and support one another. This culture has become a cornerstone of the team’s preparation and has helped shape a cohesive unit heading into the new season.
Defensively, the Braves retain experienced stalwarts such as Kage Castling, Vicente Rocio and Jacob Bajek, who provide depth and leadership on the line. Offensively, returning stars like John Hatcher will be joined by newcomer Danny Sanchez, adding fresh talent to a unit that aims to balance explosiveness with consistency.
The schedule presents a formidable challenge, with the KCAC featuring the preseason favorite Evangel University among other tough opponents. Despite the tough slate, Davis remains focused on translating the team’s strong finish into a season where every game is approached with the same competitive fire.
Adding to the excitement, fourteen student‑athletes from Ottawa earned spots on the 2026 KCAC Dr. Ted Kessinger Division preseason team, underscoring the program’s growing reputation and the depth of talent that will contribute to the Braves’ pursuit of success.