Oberlin, Ohio - The Oberlin College football team enters the season inspired and ready to compete. 

The Yeomen return experienced players at multiple positions under the direction of second-year head coach John Pont. 

"Team 134 has been growing and building since the day after our final game last season," Pont said.  "We are excited to see all of their hard work come to fruition on the field as we have added some tremendous first-years and built on the foundation we laid last year." 

Junior quarterback Drew Nye will be tasked with steering the Yeomen in the right direction in his second season as the team's starting signal caller. A native of Clinton, Connecticut, Nye threw for 1,632 yards and tossed 11 touchdown passes a season ago. Nye, who also has the ability to make plays with his feet, should feel even more confident and comfortable in Coach Pont's system heading into year two.

Nye will have a plethora of different options behind him in the backfield to hand off to headlined by senior Greg Lane, who looks to stay healthy and end his career on a high note. Sophomores Colten Danel, Jayden Eaton, and Dane Mentore could potentially mix in as well. 

Oberlin returns its top two pass catchers led by senior Evan Smith-Rooks who posted 383 yards and a touchdown on 45 catches. Junior Connor Steele hauled in a team-best three TDs while picking up 9.95 yards per catch. Deep threat Cameron Burke is back after averaging nearly 30 yards a catch and scoring two TDs, while sophomore classmate Jordan Fishback is expected to see an expanded role as well. 

Additionally, senior Nathaniel Castro brings great speed and versatility on the outside while highly-touted first-years Kingston Askerneese, Ari Smith, Owen Edward, and CJ Cooper II provide an added dimension to the offense with the potential for immediate returns. Second-year players Massimo Vliet and Rafael Green-Arnone will push to contribute as well. Senior tight end Josh Woznicki provides another capable option as both a receiver and a runner in addition to his stout blocking ability. 

A trimmed-down Oberlin offensive line is ready to win in the trenches to make the offense come together. Junior left tackle Mike Mathis has been the anchor of the unit the last two seasons, while experienced senior co-captain Brent Larson works his way back from injury to handle duties at center. Junior Tahlon Bailey will be strong on the inside at right guard. Returners James Gaycheck and Jackson Bloomfield could be in line for starting roles with promising youngsters Zheming Tang and Christian Chambliss factoring into the rotation with Jacob Wong, Vinny Filippelli, and Jacob Barnes.

"Traditionally, year two is when offenses start to click," Pont noted.  "We learned what to do and had some success in year one.  Now that we are in the second year in the system, we will focus more on how to do it and continue to master our craft.  The pieces are in place and we can't wait to see it all come together."

Senior linebacker Brandon Hall leads an Oberlin defense that brings back talent at all three levels. An All-NCAC selection in 2023, Hall finished tied for third in the conference with 82 tackles. A native of South Riding, Virginia, he recorded 4.5 tackles for loss while leading the team with six passes defensed in addition to notching one fumble recovery and one interception.

Hall will be joined by junior co-captain Hunter Green, Danel, and sophomore Evan Elliott to make up a stout linebacking core with the potential to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. The group helped Oberlin finish third in the NCAC in red zone defense in 2023. Green made 77 stops last fall, including a team-high 10 tackles for loss to accompany his four sacks. Danel's rookie campaign featured a team-high two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and 47 total tackles while Elliot was third on the team with 38 tackles to accompany his 2.5 tackles for loss. Junior Jake Hughes has also impressed throughout camp and will be in line for plenty of reps as well. 

Upfront the Yeomen are pleased to bring back a hungry, determined, and experienced senior foursome in Matt Cohn, Gavi Genger, Jackson Lotinsky, and Chris Stoneman. Rookie Judah Moenoa and sophomore Abraham Cromartie V bring good size to the unit as well. 

Senior co-captain Dylan Marshall's experience will be key to the success of the secondary and he will likely be joined at safety by 6-foot-3 sophomore James Chikwe. The duo combined for 54 tackles a season ago. On the edges, the coaching staff has been impressed with what they have seen throughout camp from the rookie Askerneese as he could potentially line up opposite Castro or Mentore at corner. 

"Our defensive coaches have been working tirelessly to develop and improve our team on that side of the ball," Pont said. "One thing is for sure, our defense will be well-coached, disciplined, and relentlessly attacking.  We have great leadership on the field, and I am stoked to watch our unit get after our opponents."

Senior Wes Penta, who made four field goals and 10 extra points last fall, returns to handle the kicking duties alongside sophomore Jacob Day. 

Oberlin opens the season on Saturday, September 7 at Calvin University with the opening kick set for 1 p.m. The Yeomen return home the following Saturday to host Anderson University with the NCAC opener set for September 21 at Ohio Wesleyan University.