Ohio Bobcats

2-0 overall, 0-0 MAC, margin +9.5 · Coach Jeff Boals (since 2019 (8th season at Ohio in 2026-27)) · Picked 5th in the MAC preseason poll
TV scheduleTravel mapNewsRatings
+1.8
net rating per 100 · #144 in D-I · model
109.2
adjusted offense · #116
107.4
adjusted defense · #219
72.1
pace, possessions / 40 · #106
-5.9
strength of schedule so far · #170

Rotation

#PlayerPosClHtGP/GSMINPTSREBASTeFG%TS%Rating
13 Dusan Makitan FR FFR6' 8" 2/2 35.5 10.0 12.0 4.0 56.7 59.7 +3.8
3 Jackson Paveletzke GSR6' 2" 2/2 35.5 15.0 5.0 6.5 73.1 76.5 -1.7
1 Javan Simmons FSR6' 7" 2/2 31.0 14.0 5.5 1.0 70.6 71.3 +1.2
10 Siebe Ledegen FR GSR6' 7" 2/2 29.0 11.5 4.5 2.5 45.7 48.2 -0.2
14 Kolton Mitchell transfer GJR6' 1" 2/2 27.5 13.5 1.0 2.5 63.2 63.7 -1.4
12 Kyler D'Augustino transfer GSR6' 1" 2/0 13.0 2.0 2.0 0.5 25.0 29.1 -1.9
24 Marin Petkov GSR6' 4" 2/0 9.0 5.5 0.5 0.0 91.7 91.7 +1.2
4 Ché Brogan FR GFR6' 5" 2/0 8.0 10.0 2.0 1.0 108.3 110.1 +2.5
17 Kiir Kuany FSO6' 9" 2/0 8.0 0.5 2.5 0.0 0.0 8.5 +0.4
5 Zay Mosley FSO6' 7" 1/0 7.0 2.0 2.0 0.0 50.0 50.0 +0.0
11 Carter Reese GSR6' 3" 0/0 – – – – – – –
0 Christian Trudic FR FFR6' 5" 0/0 – – – – – – –
21 Jesse Burris GSO6' 5" 0/0 – – – – – – –
2 Jordie Bowens FR FFR6' 6" 0/0 – – – – – – –
8 Moek Icke transfer CSO7' 1" 0/0 – – – – – – –
Box scores from ESPN. eFG% weights threes; TS% includes free throws.

Schedule

DateOpponentWatchResultLineRestMiles
Mon 11/2 at South Alabama Jaguars ESPN+ W 86-77 +1.5 cover – 684 -1h
Sat 11/7 vs North Carolina A&T Aggies ESPN+ W 80-70 -15.5 miss 4 684
Fri 11/13 at Purdue Boilermakers B1G+ 7 PM ET –model +11.8 5 266
Wed 11/18 vs Morehead State Eagles ESPN+ 7 PM ET –model -16.1 4 266
Tue 11/24 vs New Mexico State Aggies N – 11 AM ET – 5 622
Wed 11/25 vs Rice Owls N – 11 AM ET – 0 –
Wed 12/2 vs Toledo Rockets MAC ESPN+ 7 PM ET – 6 622
Sat 12/5 at Central Michigan Chippewas MAC ESPN+ 3 PM ET – 2 326
Sun 12/13 vs Kent State Tuscarawas Golden Eagles ESPN+ 4 PM ET – 7 326
Wed 12/16 at Ball State Cardinals MAC ESPN+ 7 PM ET – 2 184
Sat 12/19 vs Buffalo Bulls MAC ESPN+ 2 PM ET – 2 184
Wed 12/23 at Robert Morris Colonials ESPN+ 2 PM ET – 3 130
Tue 12/29 vs Bryant & Stratton (OH) Bobcats ESPN+ 3 PM ET – 5 130
Sat 1/2 at Bowling Green Falcons MAC – 2 PM ET – 3 163
Tue 1/5 vs Akron Zips MAC – 7 PM ET – 2 163
Sat 1/9 vs Massachusetts Minutemen MAC – 2 PM ET – 3 –
Tue 1/12 at Kent State Golden Flashes MAC – 7 PM ET – 2 132
Sat 1/16 vs Eastern Michigan Eagles MAC – 2 PM ET – 3 132
Tue 1/19 vs Western Michigan Broncos MAC – 7 PM ET – 2 –
Sat 1/23 at Massachusetts Minutemen MAC – 12 PM ET – 3 543
Tue 1/26 at Akron Zips MAC – 7 PM ET – 2 472
Fri 1/29 vs Miami (OH) RedHawks MAC – 7 PM ET – 2 125
Tue 2/2 at Buffalo Bulls MAC – 6:30 PM ET – 3 298
Tue 2/9 at Western Michigan Broncos MAC – 7 PM ET – 6 572
Sat 2/13 vs Central Michigan Chippewas MAC – 2 PM ET – 3 274
Tue 2/16 at Eastern Michigan Eagles MAC – 6:30 PM ET – 2 216
Sat 2/20 vs Ball State Cardinals MAC – 4 PM ET – 3 216
Tue 2/23 vs Kent State Golden Flashes MAC – 7 PM ET – 2 –
Sat 2/27 at Miami (OH) RedHawks MAC – 3:30 PM ET – 3 142
Tue 3/2 vs Bowling Green Falcons MAC – 7 PM ET – 2 142
Fri 3/5 at Toledo Rockets MAC – 7 PM ET – 2 178
Line is this team's spread (DraftKings via ESPN for finished games, our snapshots for upcoming). "cover" / "miss" is against that number. Click a result for the box score. Rest is full days off; miles are estimated travel into the game, with any time-zone change. Season total: 8,370 miles. See the route on the travel map · TV schedule.

Storylines

Culture reset after Boals' first losing season After a 15-17 year and an 86-75 MAC Tournament loss to Kent State, Boals promised a reset, admitted accountability failures (notably with Hadaway's technical fouls) and said the non-conference schedule was too hard; nine scholarship players left and the roster was rebuilt with transfers and three international players. source

Paveletzke's surprise fifth year Listed as departing in spring coverage, Jackson Paveletzke (17.3 PPG, 5.4 APG) returned for a fifth season of eligibility (wire headline via Crescent-News), was named Preseason All-MAC Second Team, and scored 20 in the opener. Per the wire story, the extra year comes from the NCAA's newly adopted age-based 'five-in-five' eligibility rule; he announced on social media 'I'm back,' calling it a 'victory lap.' He has started all 63 games across two seasons at Ohio. source

International trio: Brogan, Makitan, Ledegen Australian guard Ché Brogan (18 points in 12 minutes vs NC A&T), Bosnian forward Dusan Makitan (starter) and Belgian forward Siebe Ledegen (starter, EuroBasket 2025 experience) all played major roles in the first two games. source

Hometown return: Kyler D'Augustino Athens County native (Alexander HS, 2,000+ career points) transferred home from IU Indy after an 18.5 PPG All-Horizon Third Team season. source

2-0 start; Purdue next Ohio beat South Alabama 86-77 (Mitchell career-high seven 3s) and NC A&T 80-70, then travels to Purdue on Nov 13 followed by New Mexico State in Jacksonville Nov 24. source

Defense is the question Mid-Major Madness framed the season around whether a high-scoring backcourt (Paveletzke, D'Augustino, Mitchell) can be paired with enough defense; Ohio ranked near the bottom of D-I in 3-point defense early in 2025-26 per the Athens Messenger. source

Recent news

2026-11-02 Ohio fires from 3-point range, wins season opener 86-77 at South Alabama Trailed 35-34 at half. Kolton Mitchell 21 points on a career-high seven 3s; Jackson Paveletzke 20 (all after halftime, 4-4 FT in final minute); contributions from Ledegen, Simmons (two dunks), Makitan, D'Augustino and Marin Petkov (two 3s). source

2026-11-07 Ohio staves off comeback, beats NC A&T 80-70 in home opener to move to 2-0 Fell behind 14-5, led 38-31 at half after a 33-17 run. Starters: Simmons, Paveletzke, Ledegen, Makitan, Mitchell. Freshman Ché Brogan scored 18 in 12 minutes off the bench. Boals: team was 'punched in the mouth' early but 'No one panicked.' Next: at Purdue (Nov 13). source

Fieldhouse Notes

+ Add dispatch

Latest headlines

All MAC news →

On Reddit: r/CollegeBasketball search. Reddit is closing its free feeds, so these are links, not part of the ticker.

Preseason previews

Mid-American Conference: MAC Announces 2026-27 Men's Basketball Preseason Poll, All-MAC Teams 2026-10-19 · projected 5th of 12 (82 points, no first-place votes); no tournament-champion votes

Coaches picked Ohio fifth, behind Miami, Toledo, Akron and Kent State and just ahead of UMass (79). Redshirt senior forward Javan Simmons was named Preseason All-MAC First Team and fifth-year guard Jackson Paveletzke Preseason All-MAC Second Team, making Ohio one of only two schools (with Miami) to place two players on the preseason teams.

sMACk Talk (Substack): 2026-27 Mid-American Men's Basketball Overview 2026-10-21 · Kaily "KG" Godek and Foster Roesti · projected Lists preseason poll position of 5th; calls Ohio a strong candidate for another postseason run

Ohio went 15-17 (9-9) in 2025-26 with a first-round MAC Tournament exit. Key players: graduate guard Jackson Paveletzke (17.3 PPG, 5.3 APG, All-MAC Second Team), Javan Simmons (15.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG, All-MAC HM) and IU Indy transfer Kyler D'Augustino (18.5 PPG, 3.4 APG, All-Horizon Third Team). Also names 7-1 Rhode Island transfer center Moek Icke and Australian freshman Ché Brogan (13.4 PPG, 4.2 APG at the Centre of Excellence, NBL1 experience). Losses: Sheldon, Breath, Hadaway (graduated), JJ Kelly (UTSA). Non-conference: at South Alabama (Nov 2), at Purdue (Nov 13), New Mexico State at the Scout Jacksonville Classic (Nov 24), at Robert Morris (Dec 23). Says Ohio is one of only three MAC teams returning an All-MAC selection (Paveletzke).

Mid-Major Madness (SB Nation) via Yahoo Sports: 2026-27 MAC Men's Basketball Preview 2026-10-28 · Sam Federman

Calls Ohio's backcourt one of the most fun in mid-major basketball: fifth-year Jackson Paveletzke returns alongside IU Indy transfer Kyler D'Augustino and Idaho transfer Kolton Mitchell, a trio expected to score heavily. Javan Simmons returns as one of the most talented post players in the conference. 'The biggest question for Jeff Boals' team is whether it'll have enough on the defensive side of the ball.'

Caleb's Corner (Substack): 26-27 MAC Preview 2026-10-22 · Caleb Arthur · projected 5th of 12 in the author's power ranking

Ranks Ohio fifth and names Jackson Paveletzke to the author's All-Conference First Team at guard, flagging him as a fifth-year player attempting to play.

The Post (Athens): Men's Basketball: Ohio reloads for 2027 campaign after offseason losses 2026-05-26 · Jack Muldowney

Offseason roster piece: only three of 12 scholarship players (Simmons, Kuany, Burris) were returning at the time. Departures: Paveletzke, Hadaway, Sheldon, Conners, Breath (eligibility, as then understood), plus portal exits JJ Kelly (UTSA), Jordan Fisher (uncommitted), Ayden Evans (Maine), Elijah Elliott (Florida). New guards Kolton Mitchell (Idaho, 13.7 PPG) and Kyler D'Augustino (IU Indianapolis, 18.5 PPG; Albany, Ohio native). International additions Che Brogan (Australia), Dusan Makitan (Bosnia, 15.2 PPG/10.2 RPG for Borac-WWIN) and Siebe Ledegen (Belgium, 12.8 PPG, 41% 3PT). Note: Paveletzke subsequently returned for a fifth year.

The Athens Messenger: Ohio basketball roster beginning to take shape after busy offseason

Spring 2026 roster rundown (written just after Siebe Ledegen's commitment). Returnees: Simmons (15.1/5.7, 96 straight career starts at Toledo and Ohio), Burris, Kuany (Melbourne), redshirts Carter Reese (ex-Ohio Northern guard) and Zay Mosley (6-7 wing, 1,000+ HS points). Freshmen Xavier McKinney (OHSBCA D-I Player of the Year) and Jordie Bowens (Reynoldsburg teammates). Transfers Kyler D'Augustino (IU Indy; Alexander HS, 2,000+ career points) and a guard from Idaho the article names 'Kolton Miller' (official/Post coverage: Kolton Mitchell). International: Ché Brogan (Giddey-style comparison), Dusan Makitan (led Bosnian league in points and rebounds, needs outside shot), Siebe Ledegen (EuroBasket 2025 minutes for Belgium, ~43% 3PT).

Players

Dusan Makitan #13 · F · Freshman · 6' 8" · 219 lbs

Banja Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina · from Borac-WWIN (Bosnian Pro League) · freshman · ESPN
10.0 pts12.0 reb4.0 ast35.5 min 7-15 FG3-5 3PT3-4 FT 59.7 TS%12.8 shots+TO/40
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6-8, 21; 15.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG, led league in both. Listed as sophomore by The Post (spelled 'Dudan' in the recap). Putback and a three in opener; started vs NC A&T. source source source

The Post (Athens): 21-year-old 6-8 Bosnian forward; 15.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG for Borac-WWIN. source

The Athens Messenger: 6-8, 21; ~15 PPG/10 RPG, led Bosnian Pro League in both; strong offensive rebounder; needs outside shot. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 3683-62-40-1114201
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 35124-91-13-3134412

Jackson Paveletzke #3 · G · Senior · 6' 2" · 184 lbs

Kimberly, WI · from Iowa State (also Wofford) · returner · ESPN · @jacksonpavvv
15.0 pts5.0 reb6.5 ast35.5 min 8-13 FG3-3 3PT11-15 FT 76.5 TS%16.1 shots+TO/40
+ dispatch

Kimberly, Wis. 17.3 PPG, 5.3-5.4 APG, All-MAC Second Team in 2025-26; 63 straight starts at Ohio. Returned for a fifth season of eligibility (NCAA age-based 'five-in-five' rule, per wire story) after being listed as departing. Preseason All-MAC Second Team. 20 points at South Alabama (all in second half, 4-4 FT in final minute); started vs NC A&T. source source source source

Mid-American Conference: Preseason All-MAC Second Team (G, 5th-Sr.). source

sMACk Talk (Substack): Graduate guard; 17.3 PPG, 5.3 APG; All-MAC Second Team in 2025-26; returning All-MAC selection. source

Mid-Major Madness (SB Nation) via Yahoo Sports: Fifth-year returner anchoring a high-scoring backcourt. source

Caleb's Corner (Substack): Author's All-Conference First Team guard; flagged as a fifth-year player. source

The Post (Athens): Led Ohio in scoring (17.3) and assists (5.4) in 2025-26; listed as departing in May but later returned for a fifth season. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 38204-43-39-1157500
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 33104-90-02-456400

Javan Simmons #1 · F · Senior · 6' 7" · 259 lbs

Columbus, OH · from Toledo · returner · ESPN · @Javan_2022
14.0 pts5.5 reb1.0 ast31.0 min 12-17 FG0-1 3PT4-6 FT 71.3 TS%15.9 shots+TO/40
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6-7, 235. 15.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG, All-MAC HM in 2025-26; 96 consecutive career starts. Preseason All-MAC First Team. Dunks in both openers; starter. source source source

Mid-American Conference: Preseason All-MAC First Team (F, R-Sr.). source

sMACk Talk (Substack): Redshirt senior forward; 15.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG; All-MAC Honorable Mention. source

Mid-Major Madness (SB Nation) via Yahoo Sports: One of the most talented post players in the MAC. source

The Post (Athens): Redshirt senior; 15.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG. source

The Athens Messenger: Started all 96 career games at Toledo and Ohio; 15.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG; team centerpiece. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 36104-60-02-252101
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 26188-110-12-460400

Siebe Ledegen #10 · G · Senior · 6' 7" · 198 lbs

Aalst, Belgium · from BNXT League (Belgium) · freshman · ESPN
11.5 pts4.5 reb2.5 ast29.0 min 9-23 FG3-11 3PT2-2 FT 48.2 TS%17.2 shots+TO/40
+ dispatch

6-7, 23, Belgian; ~12.8-13 PPG, ~41-43% 3PT; EuroBasket 2025 minutes for Belgium. Listed as a graduate student by The Post. Started both games; behind-the-back assist to Simmons in opener; three and a key block vs NC A&T. source source source

The Post (Athens): 23-year-old 6-7 Belgian forward; 12.8 PPG, 41% 3PT in Belgian Pro League. source

The Athens Messenger: 6-7, 23; ~13 PPG in BNXT League; three-time Young Player of the Month; EuroBasket 2025 rotation minutes for Belgium; ~43% 3PT. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 27156-141-72-265120
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 3183-92-40-030001

Kolton Mitchell #14 · G · Junior · 6' 1" · 163 lbs

Coeur d'Alene, ID · from Idaho (previously Idaho State) · transfer in · ESPN
13.5 pts1.0 reb2.5 ast27.5 min 8-19 FG8-19 3PT3-5 FT 63.7 TS%16.1 shots+TO/40
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13.7 PPG at Idaho; scored 14 vs Houston in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. 21 points on a career-high seven 3-pointers at South Alabama (Nov 2); starter vs NC A&T. Athens Messenger misnamed him 'Kolton Miller'. source source source

Mid-Major Madness (SB Nation) via Yahoo Sports: Idaho transfer guard. source

The Post (Athens): Idaho transfer; 13.7 PPG. source

The Athens Messenger: Idaho transfer (previously Idaho State); scored 14 vs Houston in 2026 NCAA Tournament. Article misnames him 'Kolton Miller'. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 30217-157-150-023110
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 2561-41-43-502010

Kyler D'Augustino #12 · G · Senior · 6' 1" · 207 lbs

Albany, OH · from IU Indianapolis · transfer in · ESPN
2.0 pts2.0 reb0.5 ast13.0 min 1-6 FG1-4 3PT1-2 FT 29.1 TS%10.6 shots+TO/40
+ dispatch

Albany, Ohio / Alexander HS (2,000+ career points). 18.5 PPG, 3.4 APG, All-Horizon League Third Team in 2025-26. Steal and a three in the opener. source source source

sMACk Talk (Substack): Senior guard from IU Indy; 18.5 PPG, 3.4 APG; All-Horizon League Third Team. source

Mid-Major Madness (SB Nation) via Yahoo Sports: IU Indy transfer guard. source

The Post (Athens): IU Indianapolis transfer; 18.5 PPG; from Albany, Ohio. source

The Athens Messenger: Athens County native (Alexander HS, 2,000+ points); All-Horizon Third Team at IU Indy. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 1441-41-41-230010
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 1200-20-00-011000

Marin Petkov #24 · G · Senior · 6' 4" · 188 lbs

Skopje, Macedonia · unknown · ESPN
5.5 pts0.5 reb0.0 ast9.0 min 4-6 FG3-5 3PT0-0 FT 91.7 TS%13.3 shots+TO/40
+ dispatch

Graduate student guard; hit two threes in the South Alabama opener. The Crescent-News wire story on Paveletzke's return lists an international guard 'Ivan Petkov' among the newcomers, which appears to be the same player; first name unconfirmed. Not mentioned in spring roster coverage. source source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 862-42-40-010010
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 1052-21-10-000011

Ché Brogan #4 · G · Freshman · 6' 5" · 190 lbs

Melbourne, Australia · from Centre of Excellence (Australia) · freshman · ESPN
10.0 pts2.0 reb1.0 ast8.0 min 6-6 FG1-1 3PT7-7 FT 110.1 TS%27.7 shots+TO/40
+ dispatch

6-5, 19; 13.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.2 APG; Australia U19 World Cup; NBL1 experience. 18 points in 12 minutes off the bench vs NC A&T (Nov 7). source source

sMACk Talk (Substack): 6-5 Australian freshman guard; 13.4 PPG, 4.2 APG at Centre of Excellence; NBL1 experience. source

The Post (Athens): 19-year-old Australian guard; 13.4 PPG, 4.2 APG overseas. source

The Athens Messenger: 6-5, 19; 13.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.2 APG at Centre of Excellence; NBL development experience; Australia U19 World Cup. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 421-10-00-010100
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 12185-51-17-732110

Kiir Kuany #17 · F · Sophomore · 6' 9" · 197 lbs

Melbourne, Australia · returner · ESPN · @KuanyKiir
0.5 pts2.5 reb0.0 ast8.0 min 0-5 FG0-1 3PT1-2 FT 8.5 TS%19.7 shots+TO/40
+ dispatch

6-9, Melbourne; defensive promise in limited minutes in 2025-26. source source

The Post (Athens): 6-9 redshirt sophomore; defensive promise in limited minutes. source

The Athens Messenger: Melbourne native; showed flashes; sophomore leap candidate. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 700-30-10-000100
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 910-20-01-250100

Zay Mosley #5 · F · Sophomore · 6' 7" · 228 lbs

Pemberton, NJ · redshirt · ESPN · @darealzaymosley
2.0 pts2.0 reb0.0 ast7.0 min 1-2 FG0-1 3PT0-0 FT 50.0 TS%17.1 shots+TO/40
+ dispatch

6-7 wing; redshirted 2025-26 while rehabbing an injury; 1,000+ HS points. source

The Athens Messenger: 6-7 wing; redshirted 2025-26 rehabbing an injury; 1,000+ HS points. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 DNP
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 721-20-10-020101

Carter Reese #11 · G · Senior · 6' 3" · 212 lbs

Westerville, OH · from Ohio Northern · redshirt · ESPN · @CarterReese2023
Has not appeared yet.
+ dispatch

Redshirted 2025-26 after two seasons at Ohio Northern; backcourt depth. source

The Athens Messenger: Redshirted 2025-26 after two seasons at Ohio Northern; backcourt depth. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 DNP
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 DNP

Christian Trudic #0 · F · Freshman · 6' 5" · 194 lbs

Chagrin Falls, OH · ESPN
Has not appeared yet.
+ dispatch
Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 DNP
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 DNP

Jesse Burris #21 · G · Sophomore · 6' 5" · 185 lbs

Delaware, OH · returner · ESPN · @BurrisJesse15
Has not appeared yet.
+ dispatch

Played 24 of 32 games in 2025-26 after a redshirt year; sophomore-leap candidate. source source

The Post (Athens): Redshirt sophomore; played 24 of 32 games. source

The Athens Messenger: Showed flashes as a redshirt freshman; sophomore leap candidate. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 DNP
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 DNP

Jordie Bowens #2 · F · Freshman · 6' 6" · 197 lbs

Reynoldsburg, OH · freshman · ESPN
Has not appeared yet.
+ dispatch

Reynoldsburg HS athletic wing; All-State HM as a junior. source source

The Athens Messenger: Athletic freshman wing from Reynoldsburg; expected to help replace JJ Kelly. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 DNP
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 DNP

Moek Icke #8 · C · Sophomore · 7' 1" · 244 lbs

Purmerend, Netherlands · from Rhode Island · transfer in · ESPN
Has not appeared yet.
+ dispatch

7-1 center named by sMACk Talk; not mentioned in game recaps read. source

sMACk Talk (Substack): 7-1 center transfer from Rhode Island. source

Game log
DateOppResultMINPTSFG3PTFTREBASTTOSTLBLK
11-03at USAW 86-77 DNP
11-07vs NCATW 80-70 DNP

Departures and others in coverage

PlayerStatusNotes
Xavier McKinneyfreshmanReynoldsburg HS; OHSBCA Division I Player of the Year; expected early scoring. source source
Aidan HadawayunknownEligibility exhausted; 14.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG in 2025-26; fouled out on a technical in the MAC Tournament loss. source source
Ajay SheldonunknownEligibility exhausted after 2025-26. source
Dior Connersunknown · Appalachian StateEligibility exhausted after 2025-26. source
Jalen Breathunknown · UNC GreensboroEligibility exhausted after 2025-26. source
JJ KellyunknownTrue freshman starter (8.6 PPG); transferred to UTSA (committed May 1, 2026). source
Jordan FisherunknownPickerington, Ohio; entered portal; uncommitted as of May 26, 2026. source
Ayden EvansunknownTransferred to Maine. source
Elijah ElliottunknownInjured most of 2025-26; transferred to Florida. source
Named in previews or news but not on ESPN's current roster: mostly transfers out and graduates, sometimes a late addition ESPN has not listed yet.

Who covers Ohio

SourceTypeHandleBeat writersNotes
The Post (Ohio University student paper)campus paper Owen Lipstreu, Jack Muldowney, Charlie FadelIndependent student paper. Lipstreu wrote the Nov 3, 2026 South Alabama recap and the March 2026 MAC Tournament sidebar; Muldowney the May 26 offseason roster piece; Fadel the April 14 portal column and the 2025-26 preview. A dedicated 2026-27 season preview was not located (fetch/search budget).
The Athens Messengercity paper Local daily; Ohio University section at athensmessenger.com/sports/ohiouniversity/. Ran an undated spring-2026 roster piece (bylines not shown), the 2026-27 non-conference schedule story and the MAC schedule story. No byline captured.
WOUB Public Media (Athens; PBS/NPR affiliate)tv radio@BobcatShowcase (WOUB Bobcat Showcase) Eli Baxter, Ty Carpenter, Andrew BowlbyStudent-staffed public media; wrote the Nov 7, 2026 NC A&T recap (Baxter byline, Carpenter in metadata). Published men's/women's season previews in Nov 2025; a 2026-27 preview was not confirmed.
Ohio Athletics (ohiobobcats.com)official Official site; refused automated reads. Relevant 2026-27 releases located: opener preview at South Alabama (Oct 31), South Alabama recap 'Mitchell Hits Career-High in Threes' (Nov 3), NC A&T home-opener preview (Nov 6), MAC national TV schedule (Oct 14). Team social handles not verified.
sMACk Talk (Substack)blog Kaily "KG" Godek, Foster RoestiMAC newsletter; 2026-27 overview Oct 21, 2026.
Mid-Major Madness (SB Nation) via Yahoo Sportsblog Sam Federman2026-27 MAC preview, Oct 28, 2026.
Caleb's Corner (Substack)blog Caleb ArthurIndependent MAC power ranking and awards picks, Oct 22, 2026.
Mid-American Conference (getsomemaction.com)official League office preseason poll and All-MAC teams.
The Crescent-News (AP/APG wire)city paper Wire story 'Jackson Paveletzke returning to Ohio for fifth season of eligibility' (undated, no byline shown; attributes the extra year to the NCAA's age-based 'five-in-five' rule).
Coverage research as of 2026-11-08.