Football set to begin Marquis era on Saturday

It's a whole new era for Otterbein University football.

After hiring Dave Marquis to lead the Cardinals back in January, an energized new staff is ready to take the field at Memorial Stadium this weekend. Marquis, the 36th head coach in team history, has brought on critical pieces to his staff that will help shape the fresh start for the Cardinals.

Under center, sophomore Brayden Bayles will get the nod after seeing action in four contests a season ago. With limited action as a freshman, Bayles will have an experienced line in front of him. Senior wideouts Owen Menge and Zane Duning return as the top two targets from 2024. Menge's 459 yards were a team-best, as Duning hauled in 31 catches for 328 yards. Both recorded two touchdowns apiece and will be prime features for Bayles.

Boasting upperclassmen, Ridge Webb, Zane Gogolin and Bryce Mount are three that headline an offensive line for 2025. Cayden Lassiter – Otterbein's top rusher from 2024 – returns while Matt Griffin is also back following a four touchdown campaign as a sophomore.

Marquis and his staff will turn to new faces and some with limited minutes last season on the defensive side of the ball. Junior Cullen Dent brings the most experience up front, recording 38 total tackles and a pair of sacks in 2024. Austin Burchinal returns, while Turtle Haney and Qa'id Wilson are two more Cardinals set to make an impact this season.

With a predominantly new linebacker corps and backfield, Otterbein has plenty of players that can make an impact at either spot. Zach Nelson, Jeremiah Smith and Emmanuel Watson are all players that are set to be defensive influences in 2025. Carson Blank and Braylon Balandra are veterans that will lead the special teams unit.

The season kicks off at Memorial Stadium on Sep. 6 when the Cardinals welcome Ohio Wesleyan University. It will mark the eighth straight season the two teams have met up for their openers. One week later, OAC action begins with a night contest at Marietta. With John Carroll parting for the NCAC in the offseason, the Cardinals will play two non-conference games. In addition to the OWU opener, Otterbein heads to Hanover in a Week 9 tussle before ending the season one week later with a home contest against Ohio Northern.

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Players Mentioned

#30 Braylon Balandra: K; 5' 11"; Junior

#10 Brayden Bayles: QB; 6' 1"; Sophomore

#27 Carson Blank: K/P; 5' 10"; Senior

#68 Austin Burchinal: DL; 5' 10"; Senior

#17 Cullen Dent: DL; 6' 2"; Junior

#5 Zane Duning: WR; 6' 1"; Senior

#64 Zane Gogolin: OL; 6' 1"; Junior

#23 Matt Griffin: RB; 6' 1"; Junior

#99 Turtle Haney: DL; 5' 11"; Junior

#1 Cayden Lassiter: QB; 5' 10"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#30 Braylon Balandra
: 5' 11"; Junior
: K

#10 Brayden Bayles
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: QB

#27 Carson Blank
: 5' 10"; Senior
: K/P

#68 Austin Burchinal
: 5' 10"; Senior
: DL

#17 Cullen Dent
: 6' 2"; Junior
: DL

#5 Zane Duning
: 6' 1"; Senior
: WR

#64 Zane Gogolin
: 6' 1"; Junior
: OL

#23 Matt Griffin
: 6' 1"; Junior
: RB

#99 Turtle Haney
: 5' 11"; Junior
: DL

#1 Cayden Lassiter
: 5' 10"; Junior
: QB