It’s hard to build a consistent winner in the MAC, but Ohio head coach Tim Albin has already built on the success of his predecessor, Frank Solich. While the Bobcats have a few new holes to fill, they return All-Conference players at several important positions.That experience should be enough to make the Bobcats contenders once again.
Ohio Bobcats Top 10 Returning Players in 2023
Analyzing the returning players at every school is a difficult task in the transfer portal area. As such, we’ve included transfer-portal athletes that were included on each team’s roster page to open fall camp in addition to the rostered players from last year.
1) Kurtis Rourke, Quarterback
Sometimes picking a team’s top player is difficult, but not for the Bobcats. The Rourke Dynasty will continue as Kurtis is on pace to shatter all of his brother’s records in Athens. He had an astounding 25-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2022.
Rourke is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the country, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes last season. Ohio is built on offense, and with Rourke at the helm, the Bobcats are in good hands in 2023.
MORE: MAC QB Rankings, 2023
2) Jacoby Jones, Wide Receiver
Jacoby Jones is the Bobcats’ best deep threat, averaging 17.3 yards per catch a season ago. He possesses a rare combination of size and speed, standing at 6’3″, 225 pounds, with the ability to take the top off the defense.
Rourke was terrific when targeting Jones, and as he continues to develop, it’s not inconceivable to think that he could eclipse the 1000-yard mark this season.
3) Sam Wiglusz, Wide Receiver
Sam Wiglusz doesn’t possess elite size or speed, but he’s always open. He caught passes at a high rate last season, racking up 43 first downs and catching at least three passes in all but one game a year ago.
Wiglusz is one of the best safety valves in the country and provides an outlet for Rourke. He keeps the offense moving and is integral to Ohio’s success on that side of the ball.
4) Sieh Bangura, Running Back
Ohio is loaded at the skill positions, returning a 1000-yard rusher who ranks fourth on this list behind two other offensive guys. Sieg Bangura is just a sophomore and bangs off first contact on every carry.
As prolific as the Bobcat offense can be, Bangura occasionally gets forgotten. Expect a big year from him this season though, as teams try to stop Rourke through the air and running lanes open up.
5) Torrie Cox Jr., Defensive Back
Torrie Cox Jr. was tested a lot last season but he passed with flying colors. The redshirt sophomore was great in coverage, especially limiting receivers after the catch to virtually nothing.
This season, Cox is the main guy in the secondary, so he isn’t likely to be tested as often. That being said, he plays to the boundary and when it’s cold in November, many MAC quarterbacks may look that way more, giving him opportunities to make big plays.
6) Miles Cross, Wide Receiver
The third receiver on this list, Cross complements the other two well. He’s not a big yards-after-catch guy, but he knows how to get open and has the potential to be a strong red-zone target. He’s flashed the ability to take over games in the past, as evidenced by games against Buffalo and Miami in back-to-back weeks last season.
The Ohio offense is loaded with playmakers, but Cross is another guy who can show up when the offense needs him.
7) Parker Titsworth, Center
The Bobcats are thin on the offensive line, especially in the interior. However, they return Parker Titsworth at center, and his experience could be key to a successful passing game.
Titsworth is a solid all-around player but excelled in passing sets a year ago. The worst part for opposing MAC defenses is that he got better as he progressed in 2022.
8) Keye Thompson, Linebacker
The Bobcats lose a lot on defense, but they returned their leading tackler in Keye Thompson. He anchors the middle of the defense and was all over the ball, racking up nearly triple-digit tackles a year ago.
Thompson has room for improvement as a pass rusher, but was more than adequate in pass coverage, and his experience will be a common presence for a young defense in 2023.
9) Bryce Houston, Linebacker
Bryce Houston is listed as a linebacker but is more known for his prowess as a pass rusher. At nearly 250 pounds, he excels at getting after the passer, racking up seven sacks a season ago.
This season, he’ll look to improve his all-around game, and if he does that, he’ll be one of the best players on this defense.
MORE: Preseason All-MAC Individual and Team Honors
10) Vonnie Watkins, Edge
Vonnie Watkins has excellent length as an edge rusher, and it led to him being a consistent presence off the edge a season ago. This year, the Bobcats will need him to provide persistent pressure, as several other players on defense are inexperienced.
He’s likely to get plenty of opportunities in passing situations, as the Bobcats will put up points on offense and opponents will be chasing games in the second half.
