The Ohio Bobcats football team is entering the 2024 season with a lot of anticipation and a wave of changes. Their last game was a resounding 41-21 victory over the Georgia Southern Eagles in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, marking their fifth consecutive bowl win. This achievement is particularly notable in the MAC, where the conference’s 12 schools have collectively won only 11 bowl games over the same period, with Ohio accounting for nearly half of those victories.
The 2023 season also saw the Bobcats achieving back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in program history, following their 30-27 overtime win against the Wyoming Cowboys in the Arizona Bowl. However, the team has undergone significant changes in the roster, with at least 39 new players joining through early signings and transfers between December 2023 and June 2024.
According to 247Sports, at least 25 players from the previous year’s roster entered the transfer portal between the period before the bowl game and May 2024. Additionally, graduation and eligibility losses have contributed to the turnover. Now, with the roster set, the focus shifts to fall camp, where the team aims to integrate both returning and new players.
One of the most significant changes for the 2024 season is within the coaching staff. John Hauser has been promoted from safeties coach to defensive coordinator, replacing Spence Nowinsky, who has moved to Memphis to coach the defensive line and take on co-defensive coordinator duties. Hauser inherits a defense that was one of the best in the nation last year, ranking sixth in scoring defense by allowing only 15.8 points per game. Hauser’s experience, including working alongside Nowinsky at Miami RedHawks before joining Ohio, should prepare him well for his new role.
Another notable addition to the defensive coaching staff is Kurt Mattix, who will coach the defensive ends. Mattix was the defensive coordinator for San Diego State last season, where his team limited the Bobcats to just 13 points in their week zero matchup.
Offensively, Ohio’s 2023 staff remains mostly intact, with a few key changes. Brian Smith, the running backs coach and passing game coordinator, has been promoted to offensive coordinator and will handle play-calling duties. Smith has previously served as an offensive coordinator at Washington State and Hawai’i, where he implemented run-and-shoot concepts. His experience will be valuable in shaping Ohio’s offensive strategy.
Scott Isphording, who was the co-offensive coordinator in 2023, remains the quarterbacks coach and takes on Smith’s previous role as passing game coordinator. Allen Rudolph will continue focusing on the offensive line. The team has also brought in Andre Allen as the new wide receivers coach, replacing long-time coach Dwayne Dixon. Allen brings about 30 years of coaching experience and has previously worked with Smith at Washington State and Hawai’i.
The 2024 season will see major offensive changes as the Bobcats integrate a new starting group. They return only two starters and a few regular contributors. Key departures include former MAC MVP quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who transferred to Indiana, and star wide receivers Sam Wiglusz (graduation) and Jacoby Jones (transfer to UCF). The offense has experienced significant turnover across all positions, including quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receiver, and offensive line.
Despite these changes, the Bobcats have the potential to field a strong offensive unit. Future articles will provide a detailed look at the skill positions and offensive line.
Defensively, the Bobcats had a stellar year in 2023 but face significant changes in 2024. Besides Nowinsky’s departure, they lost key players like linebackers Bryce Houston (graduation) and Keye Thompson (transfer to Pitt). However, they return a core group of starters and contributors from the 2023 squad, providing a solid foundation to build upon.
Ohio has also been active in the transfer portal, signing experienced veterans and promising young players at linebacker and defensive line positions, who are expected to make an impact in the upcoming season. Further details on the defense will be covered in future previews.
