Sports
Takeaways from MAC Media Day ahead of Ohio football’s anticipated 2026 campaign.
By: Ty Carpenter
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DETROIT, Mich. (WOUB) – The Mid-American Conference kicked off football season on Wednesday with its annual Media Day at Ford Field. Coaches and players from the 12 programs met with media ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Ohio football was represented at the event by Head Coach John Hauser alongside junior safety DJ Walker and junior running back Duncan Brune.
With a roster that saw significant turnover, especially on the offensive side of the ball, Hauser was quick to give some information on the most pressing question surrounding the roster: who’s the starting quarterback?
“We don’t have a week one starter yet, but Nick [Poulos] is still in the lead,” said Hauser. “When you get into fall camp, all those things will probably happen fairly shortly. But I love the competitiveness we have at that position.”
Other key position groups saw starters depart, including standout running back Sieh Bangura. As a returner who split carries with Bangura, Brune spoke just as highly of the current group.
“I feel like we have a really good group and a really strong group too. We have two young guys from last year; they have really made some good progress,” said Brune. “And then we got Victor [Rosa] to transfer in. So I think we gotta get a good rotation going, … I’m really confident this year is gonna be as good as last year.”
Ohio has built much of their identity behind controlling the line of scrimmage, but it’s easy to question their ability with a completely new-look offensive line. Hauser hardly seemed concerned with the unit, mentioning players such as Seth Anstead, Bryce Parsons, Jarian Shelby and Tigana Cisse who have been with the program for several years. Now, it’s just a matter of seeing them step up.
“You can tell Spring 1 to Spring 15 those guys really started to gel as a unit,” said Hauser. “I think the offensive line doesn’t get a ton of press, but man, it is so important. … We got a group of guys that have kind of been waiting their turn. … I’m excited for those guys to have the opportunity to play.”
On the other side of the ball, the defense is expected to thrive again. The biggest change is in the secondary as only DJ Walker remains from last year’s starters. Several transfers such as Eli Thompson from Holy Cross and KJ Sejour from Chattanooga are expected to make an immediate impact.
“I think we are really deep in the secondary this year,” said Walker.
Roster turnover has not been the only inconsistency for the Bobcats, as they have their third head coach in as many years. Hauser was hired as yet another internal candidate for Ohio, which he believes helped maintain a sense of consistency for this roster.
“The transition with being here the last four years, it’s pretty seamless,” said Hauser. “I mean, I know these guys, I know our coaches. So there’s a lot of continuity; if I came here from the outside, it would be totally different. Now I’m just the representative who comes here and talks.”
“I just knew, being here since 2023, that he was going to be the best fit,” said Walker. “Coach Hauser is my guy. He recruited me here, he’s the reason why I’m here. … I’m happy he got the job. I’m happy he was able to keep a lot of the guys. … I’m just happy.”
During the event, it was announced Ohio placed fourth in the MAC preseason coaches poll, behind Western Michigan, Miami and Toledo. But that ranking hasn’t made these Bobcats any less confident.
“I can’t stop moving cause I’m in here. I really want to play right now,” said Walker. “Just being here is definitely motivation. We sent out a picture to the whole team just to motivate them guys at home. To tell them as long as we keep working, we will be here.”
MAC play begins Aug. 29 as Eastern Michigan hosts Sacramento State. Ohio’s season kicks off on the road at Nebraska on Sept. 5, with conference play beginning at Kent State on Oct. 3.