Ohio Bobcats is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of -3.9. Ohio Bobcats enters the season with a power rating of -3.9, placing them below average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Ohio Bobcats head to Nebraska next in Week 1. In 2025, Ohio Bobcats went 8-4 overall, 6-6 against the spread, and 6-6 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Ohio Bobcats Power Rating of -3.9 is 4.1 points below the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Ohio Bobcats have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 7,935 miles, ranking 57th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Nebraska | 780 mi | 1,560 mi |
| Week 2 | Jacksonville State | Home | 1,560 mi |
| Week 3 | South Alabama | 687 mi | 2,934 mi |
| Week 4 | Stonehill | Home | 2,934 mi |
| Week 5 | Kent State | 132 mi | 3,198 mi |
| Week 6 | Central Michigan | Home | 3,198 mi |
| Week 7 | Sacramento State | 2,102 mi | 7,403 mi |
| Week 8 | Eastern Michigan | Home | 7,403 mi |
| Week 9 | — | Bye | |
| Week 10 | Akron | 125 mi | 7,652 mi |
| Week 11 | Miami (OH) | 141 mi | 7,935 mi |
| Week 12 | Ball State | Home | 7,935 mi |
| Week 13 | Toledo | Home | 7,935 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
Ohio enters 2026 with its third head coach in three years, but John Hauser is a familiar face after three seasons on staff. The Bobcats have won 40 games over the past four years, and the program's culture of development and plug-and-play roster construction is expected to continue. The biggest question is at quarterback, where FCS transfer Matt Vezza, a productive passer from New Hampshire, is competing with inexperienced returners to replace the departed Parker Navarro.
The offense lost nearly all of its production, including 1,300-yard rusher Sieh Bangura and the entire starting offensive line. The ground game now relies on returnee Duncan Brune (585 yards, eight TDs) and UConn transfer Victor Rosa. The receiving corps returns experienced targets Dom Dorwart, Max Rodarte, and Eian Pugh, who combined for 24 catches and 280 yards. The rebuilt offensive line, assembled through the transfer portal, must quickly develop chemistry to maintain Ohio's physical rushing identity.
Ohio's defense is expected to dictate the team's success. Linebackers Jack Fries and Michael Molnar return to anchor the unit, along with defensive linemen Austin Mitchell, Nehemiah Dukes, and Derek Reagans. Defensive coordinator Kurt Mattix, who was on the 2024 staff, is implementing an aggressive, attacking style that prioritizes disruption and pressure. The secondary blends returnees and transfers, but execution in a new system may take time. If the front seven adapts quickly, this unit could be one of the MAC's most impactful.
The Bobcats have reliable specialists. Punter Magnus Haines averaged 42.3 yards per punt last season, one of the best marks in the MAC. Placekicker Will Hryszko transferred from Kent State, where he made all 31 extra points and went 8-of-11 on field goals. Duncan Brune and Max Rodarte provide big-play potential in the return game, giving Ohio a consistent edge in field position.
Ohio faces a challenging opener at Nebraska, a Power Five opponent with a 23.5-point spread. The Bobcats' season hinges on how quickly the new offensive line and quarterback mesh, and whether the defense can execute Mattix's aggressive scheme. The MAC schedule will test their depth and adaptability. If the defense leads and the offense finds a rhythm, Ohio can remain competitive in the conference. The biggest vulnerabilities are offensive inexperience and the coaching transition, but the program's track record of development suggests they can weather the storm.
Ohio Bobcats is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Ohio Bobcats holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of -3.9, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Ohio Bobcats's home field advantage rating is 3.3 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Ohio Bobcats travels 7,935 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 57th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Ohio Bobcats: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating -3.9.
