Similar thoughts to others, but honestly, everyone within the program must get better at every position if they want to win the OAC.

There are many things to say, but you just need to get better.Period.

Let's point out some positives. Defense seems to be playing well as a unit (penalties were killer keeping drives alive). They started turning heads around in the 2nd half and made plays on the ball.

Offense looked smooth on 3 drives, but three others were sloppy. Running backs are likely going to need to be rotated and I think there's ability there. At receiver, Ashby looks like a guy to build around, but they need more to step up.

Opportunities are all still in front of the team, so just put your head down and improve every day! Go Raiders!

It really does look like the referee made a poor call against Mount on the pass on the end zone.... https://x.com/d3football/status/2096314898548457740

Things I liked today.... Defense response play after play. I felt like they were put in tough spots and responded a lot, but penalties... Dline moved well against a good Oline....Maloney threw some good balls out there... Ashby is certainly a guy to go to...I like the creativity to get Minner the ball.

Things I didn't like....Oline needs to get better leverage/position...WRs need to catch balls that hit their hands... Penalties need cut (questionable 'helmet off' unsportsmanlike, but inexcusable offsides/false starts and sideline interference).... Fall on the ball drill will need to happen this week... Play calling can get better (2nd half showed that)... Special teams (return defense, field goal team blocking, first punts we're just ok)

I have a feeling this team will look vastly different in 5-6 weeks with jobs up for grab or getting pushed by younger guys. It's a long season for sure and now you need to go play with a playoff mindset for the rest of the season

Quote from: Dr. Acula on September 02, 2026, 04:30:58 PM

Quote from: USee on September 02, 2026, 12:18:34 PMA few key freshman recruits for Mt Union appear to be set to get significant playing time and could make an impact for the Raiders this season:

-RB Bo Bokman: played at a 6A school in MN and got to state semis. He ran for 720 yds and 11 TD's and had receptions for another 460 yds and 5 TD's. Bo is an explosive and versatile RB who lined up in the slot, caught a lot of balls and had 2 Punt Return TD's this past year. He also played in the Minnesota state all star game

-WR Brayden Harris: He is from Northfield OH and was teammates with backup QB Charley Levak (who is younger bro to S Ricky Levak). He only played in 7 games last year (injury?) but caught balls for 230 yds and 7 TD's. Tall, athletic WR who makes a lot of contested catches. Looks like a great get for the Raiders

-OL Cole Cook: Cook is set to start at RG for the Raiders which is saying something for a school that wins on the backs of talent in the trenches. Dartt obviously played and coached OL so his specific area of expterise suggests he thinks highly of this kid who went to one of the larger schools in Houston (The Woodlands), was 1st team all district and his team was 12-1 last year.

-TE Justice Taylor: 6-6 230 lbs from Dayton's Trotwood-Madison. He was teammates with presumed starting Soph DE Keymaurie Henderson. Justice is athletic and long. He had originally committed to Alabama A&M (had other offers like Central Mich) before ending up in Alliance. Looks like a matchup nightmare in Maloney's arsenal

If these guys are indicative of the talent coming to Raider country, the rumors of the Raider's demise may be a bit premature.

That first 2 deep of the season is always interesting.  Cook is indeed starting at RG.  His backup is also a FR in Brayden Piersall.  Harris is starting at WR.  Bokman and Taylor are both backups.  Fellow FR Charley Levak is the backup QB.

Defensively Liebler is listed as backup CB to SO Andrew Holmes.  SO Keymaurie Henderson is the starting edge.  It looks like he played in 1 game last year (I did not recognize the name).  Jackson Harris is listed as backup DT behind Ganelli, but I don't read much into that since those guys will be rotating I'm sure.

The defense seems talented, young and deep. That Dline is strong and quick. I think Kappas will put pressure on offenses to create turnovers. He loved chaos as a coordinator previously (created mismatches as offensive and defensive coordinator). I could see a number of guys start for now, but get pushed from the guys behind them... I'm excited for Saturday!

Quote from: D3fanboy on September 03, 2026, 01:50:23 PM

Quote from: MUC 2008 on September 03, 2026, 01:36:00 PM

Quote from: D3fanboy on September 03, 2026, 11:58:25 AM

Quote from: MUC 2008 on September 02, 2026, 03:03:58 PM

Quote from: USee on September 02, 2026, 12:18:34 PMA few key freshman recruits for Mt Union appear to be set to get significant playing time and could make an impact for the Raiders this season:

-RB Bo Bokman: played at a 6A school in MN and got to state semis. He ran for 720 yds and 11 TD's and had receptions for another 460 yds and 5 TD's. Bo is an explosive and versatile RB who lined up in the slot, caught a lot of balls and had 2 Punt Return TD's this past year. He also played in the Minnesota state all star game

-WR Brayden Harris: He is from Northfield OH and was teammates with backup QB Charley Levak (who is younger bro to S Ricky Levak). He only played in 7 games last year (injury?) but caught balls for 230 yds and 7 TD's. Tall, athletic WR who makes a lot of contested catches. Looks like a great get for the Raiders

-OL Cole Cook: Cook is set to start at RG for the Raiders which is saying something for a school that wins on the backs of talent in the trenches. Dartt obviously played and coached OL so his specific area of expterise suggests he thinks highly of this kid who went to one of the larger schools in Houston (The Woodlands), was 1st team all district and his team was 12-1 last year.

-TE Justice Taylor: 6-6 230 lbs from Dayton's Trotwood-Madison. He was teammates with presumed starting Soph DE Keymaurie Henderson. Justice is athletic and long. He had originally committed to Alabama A&M (had other offers like Central Mich) before ending up in Alliance. Looks like a matchup nightmare in Maloney's arsenal

If these guys are indicative of the talent coming to Raider country, the rumors of the Raider's demise may be a bit premature.

Good work. I have a feeling these young men and the transfers we have coming in can supplement (if not outright contribute) to the upcoming season.

To that end, Coach Kappas was interviewed on 91.1:

https://youtu.be/U41MEnJ0Z2g?is=Wswa2w_sHNdrRTo3

Is it just me, or is a lot being made of the defense being so inexperienced this year? I 100% understand a lot has been lost (not even factoring in Kaleb Brown's departure), however last year a starting WR had to be moved to the secondary and was first on the depth chart despite not playing the position since HS - to me, that seems like the defense was even more inexperienced last year. But hey, if I were an expert I wouldn't be posting on message boards as if I were.

losing Kaleb Brown is going to be tough for any program, very few D3 programs ever even have a player of his caliber.  But is experience the end-all-be-all?  The defense needs a talent/depth infusion.  I trust in Kappas to bring back the Raider defense to where it belongs.  Not having your top 4 CB's as fresh/soph is certainly a good start

Not only that, but Liebler isn't even starting, if the depth chart is to be believed.

Based on last year's depth chart that was unchanging like the tides of the ocean, I'm taking it with an ocean's worth of salt grains.

good.  nobody from a team that lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs should be guaranteed their position for the top dynasty college football has ever seen.  If Liebler is the type of rust belt, salt of the earth kid from Tigertown...he'll be starting by week 3 or 4.  Earn it!

Mount football could use a bit of that grit and jam, LFG!

I'm not sure that I would blame the defense for last year's playoff exit..... Holding John Carroll to 10 points in overtime is quite good. They didn't get tons of sacks or turnovers, but they weren't the reason for that loss.

I hope the Dline gets back to putting pressure on opposing offenses.... I'm not sure what these goes look like now, but if Noah Robinson has developed since high school (https://www.hudl.com/profile/13253127/Noah-Robinson), he's long, quick, bends the corner and gets after people.

Josh Bowen has extremely strong hands in his high school highlights (https://www.hudl.com/profile/15733302/Josh-Bowen).

I know the experienced guys will contribute or likely start too, but this depth appears to be really nice.

It's interesting that the article (AI or not) doesn't mention a single transfer.

Hopefully it doesn't matter, but any idea who the backup QB is?

Quote from: D3fanboy on August 26, 2026, 01:50:02 PM

Quote from: Kira & Jaxon's Dad on August 26, 2026, 01:16:52 PMMU Football Preview

https://athletics.mountunion.edu/news/2026/8/26/2026-mount-union-football-preview.aspx

a freshman RB getting recognition in the season preview?  either we have no RB depth, or Bo Bokman is a stud.  I'll go with the latter (huge Minner fan here)

He certainly seems like an athlete that makes plays in different positions.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16664388/Bo-Bokman

Tom Lally spoke to the Mount Union team recently. Loved watching him play! https://x.com/i/status/2088747143699870181

It seems that the media/PR team has taken a step to show off the program a little more...kudos!

Quote from: Kira & Jaxon's Dad on July 29, 2026, 01:48:18 PM

Quote from: pradierguy on July 29, 2026, 08:27:56 AM

Quote from: D3fanboy on July 28, 2026, 01:53:02 PM

Quote from: Dr. Acula on July 14, 2026, 12:18:33 PMI saw a social media post ranking D3 schools by their followers across social media platforms.  Mount was #1.  The top 20 was full of a bunch of the usual suspects.  Cortland, UWW, HSU, SJU, NCC, etc.  But the one that surprised me?  Muskie at #17.  Good to see the Fish with some good support.

it's not shocking that Mount is far and away the best brand in D3.  But with OSU announcing today a $17m uniform brand deal with JP Morgan Chase...I wonder how much the only recognizable brand in D3 athletics could bring in?

It took Mount a few years to accept the Transfer portal and all those things, so I'm sure that Mount won't bring in the extra $ until somebody else in D3 starts

C'mon Mount. Don't be scared. Do it: https://imgur.com/a/o333TQu

How about this sponsor?

https://ibb.co/jkpgJJBf

My vote is for the Naborhood! Seriously, do you think Morgan Engineering, Coastal Pet, Robertsons or MAC Trailer would be willing? Lol

It would be more likely that the football alumni would band together to make a donation over these companies without specific ties to the university and extra money... I'm not serious, but kind of serious at the same time.

Quote from: ADL70 on July 23, 2026, 04:05:51 PM

Quote from: hsbsballcoach7 on July 22, 2026, 09:52:35 PMNo talk of the D3 preseason polls??? North Central at the top with Bethel 2nd...
Mount Union at the 3rd spot (that's certainly fair).

Other notables with Wheaton at 5, JCU at 8 (got a very good transfer QB), Ohio Northern and BW receiving votes.

I love what D3 football provides, not of you're interested for additional sources, D1Rrjects are trying to get a platform and provide insight to D2,D3 and NAIA football. They have some podcasts with D3/Month Union topics covered. Dartt and Sirianni were also on Dingotalk podcast as well.

Interviews are the only worthwhile content on D1R. Their commentary is mostly uninformed hot air and BS.

At this point in the summer, I'll listen or watch almost anything to scratch the football season itch... Lol

No talk of the D3 preseason polls??? North Central at the top with Bethel 2nd...
Mount Union at the 3rd spot (that's certainly fair).

Other notables with Wheaton at 5, JCU at 8 (got a very good transfer QB), Ohio Northern and BW receiving votes.

I love what D3 football provides, not of you're interested for additional sources, D1Rrjects are trying to get a platform and provide insight to D2,D3 and NAIA football. They have some podcasts with D3/Month Union topics covered. Dartt and Sirianni were also on Dingotalk podcast as well.

A couple of notes:
I love the sharing of complete Stage Bowls and other big games. I remember watching some of these, but love to look back.

Any Mount fans living near Alliance... The book store is half off on many items (T-shirts, long sleeve, hoodies, hats, etc) as they switch bookstore companies. They had a decent selection when I went the other day.

Quote from: D3fanboy on July 07, 2026, 11:53:31 PMhttps://youtu.be/IcNHrIxiZLQ?si=PqLnsVdBv4CQpjjg

Mikey Maloney on the D1 Rejects pod, around the 42 min mark

WR transfers huh?

Was just coming to share and ask this same question. Anyone know about the incoming or returning WRs?

So the new 5 in 5 role is going to take place. Does this help Mount Union in any way (it looks like it's approved for D3)? For those of you that don't know, this means all athletes can play 5 seasons within 5 years....period. No more redshirts...

Brandon Bowden shared info here, but not sure that means he's coming back or not.
https://x.com/i/status/2069930617156849718

Quote from: Dr. Acula on May 22, 2026, 09:48:39 AMNon-football update:  Congrats to the Raider softball team.  Not only did they win three elimination games in the regional to advance to their first ever super regional, but yesterday they swept UMass-Dartmouth in the super regional to advance to the women's college world series.  CWS starts Thursday in Salem.  I've watched probably half a dozen of their games this season and they're a fun group.

p.s. I had the game on one of my screens yesterday and it's always great to have Sam Bourquin on the call for anything.  I'm thankful he calls Mount sports beyond football because he does a great job.

Agree on all accounts!

It's great to see the softball team continue their great season with their backs against the wall... They've continued to play good defense and timely hitting. They are playing at a high level of consistency right now. Keep it going!!!

Sam Bourquin's voice on Mount Union sports is awesome! I'm glad he began covering the Purple Raiders!