D3 2025 early outlook.

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Genevaeagle

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Wondering what the 2025 season is going to look like. R11 Watterson would have to be considered a favorite, Steubenville will they be able to make a run. R10 TCC will they back in D3. If so, they have to be a favorite. R9 can Chardon bounce back from what was a disappointing season for them, Ursuline will be another team that I assume will make a run. R12 who is the team to look out for. Tipp City, London? Looks like D3 should be as exciting as it was this season. What does everyone have coming back and who are the favorites?
 
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Genevaeagle said:
Wondering what the 2025 season is going to look like. R11 Watterson would have to be considered a favorite, Steubenville will they be able to make a run. R10 TCC will they back in D3. If so, they have to be a favorite. R9 can Chardon bounce back from what was a disappointing season for them, Ursuline will be another team that I assume will make a run. R12 who is the team to look out for. Tipp City, London? Looks like D3 should be as exciting as it was this season. What does everyone have coming back and who are the favorites?
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Watterson and TCC are both SUPER young and I expect both to be top 5 in D3 for sure.

Steubenville was pretty senior heavy if I remember what a fan was sharing at Watty game. 18 of them i think which included DPOY, RB and QB. Might be drop off after they beat up on river rats during the season.

Chardon has a long way to go from last years team. It wasn't too competitive.

I'm not sure on Ursuline as they were 2 points away from championship game so others might comment.

I think Hartley was pretty young as well so could see them making noise

Bloom Carroll always brings a competitive group.
 
watty1991 said:
Watterson and TCC are both SUPER young and I expect both to be top 5 in D3 for sure.

Steubenville was pretty senior heavy if I remember what a fan was sharing at Watty game. 18 of them i think which included DPOY, RB and QB. Might be drop off after they beat up on river rats during the season.

Chardon has a long way to go from last years team. It wasn't too competitive.

I'm not sure on Ursuline as they were 2 points away from championship game so others might comment.

I think Hartley was pretty young as well so could see them making noise

Bloom Carroll always brings a competitive group.
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2 state championships, 3 final fours, and 4 regional finals in the last five years. Let the season begin before we count the Hilltoppers out.

Not saying they’ll be state caliber, but they’ve earned the respect.
 
I think Chardon will be back for sure. CVCA is a dark horse to finish at the top of the region, as they only graduate six seniors, and return the majority of their team back, including the QB, their top tailback and wide receiver, and a sophomore linebacker who got significant playing time as a freshman.

Ursuline and Toledo Central Catholic are going to contend in their respective regions as well, as will Bishop Watterson.
 
My bold prediction is we'll have the same final four in 2025 that we had in 2024, provided TCC stays D3. I would say region 9 and region 12 are the 2 where we could see a change.

I know Ursuline loses some good players but it feels like they just reload every year. Same for TCC.

I think London loses some skill but if I'm not mistaken most of their line returns. The success of their system seems more predicated on the line being strong as opposed to the RBs, plus region 12 is by far the weakest region in D3.

I bet Steubenville and Watterson run into each other again in the playoffs but I think the outcome will be similar. Steubenville is losing some really strong players. Watterson does too but 8 starters return from their dominating D. Will have some holes to fill at LB, OL and receiver but they have some really talented JV players waiting in the wings at all 3 position groups. Weber will be hard to replace. RB will probably go back to more of committee approach like it did early in 2024 and will be fine.

All sorts of unforeseen factors pop up every year: divisional changes, regional changes, transfers, coaches coming and going, injuries but if all things are relatively equal and the regional matchups stay the same I predict Watterson vs TCC round III. Will be a great trilogy.
 
Like Chardon, I wouldn't rule out Kenston as well. Any word on who they have coming back?

I like my Vikings to be in the mix. Region 9 should be a meat grinder.
 
mcgarry72 said:
Like Chardon, I wouldn't rule out Kenston as well. Any word on who they have coming back?

I like my Vikings to be in the mix. Region 9 should be a meat grinder.
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I think Kenston is losing their QB, he's been a super solid player for them. Tall kid, good mobility and arm, may be hard to replace him. Chardon QB coming back for his senior year so that should help them a bit, and I think their secondary was young this past season too. No doubt BW will make noise and Im assuming TCC will be back in D3. Hard to see Ursuline having a let down.
 
watty1991 said:
Steubenville was pretty senior heavy if I remember what a fan was sharing at Watty game. 18 of them i think which included DPOY, RB and QB. Might be drop off after they beat up on river rats during the season.
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Steubenville will miss Saccoccia and the 400 tackles he racked up over the last three years, but they have a lot returning and high expectations for next year's junior class.

Big Red should be one of the best publics in DIII next year. I predict Bish Watt will have its 4th straight winning season 🥳 and meet Steubenville late in the R11 playoffs, where they'll have the opportunity to chip away at Steubenville's 3-1 head-to-head series lead.

Steubenville only faced two local teams this year, both from Wheeling, which is roughly 40-minute bus ride away. They open up against Ursuline, so you'll find out if they can play against top D3 privates.
 
Ursuline loses a couple of pieces on offense,notably the QB Ferrell, but returns virtually the entire defense.

There are a few young QBs that are going to be really good. Although they won't be quite as dynamic as Ferrell, whoever ends up starting will be just fine. The rest of the skill is very, very good led by WR Taylor. The o-line loses both tackles but a lot of younger guys started and/or played a lot so they have really god experience coming back. They will bigger overall too with 4 of the 5 possible starters in the 6' 2"/ 6'3" range 250-280 or so.

Defensively the entire D-line returns with another coming back from injury. The linebackers and DBs lose a couple of bigtime players but the depth was there and they will be fine.

I think Ursuline contends for the region again with the usual suspects also making some noise also.

Watterson amd TCC(if they stay in D3) will be good as usual. Im excited to see Steubenville week 1. It should tell us a lot about both thevIrish and Big Red.
 
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Eagle_Panther said:
All sorts of unforeseen factors pop up every year: divisional changes, regional changes, transfers, coaches coming and going, injuries but if all things are relatively equal and the regional matchups stay the same I predict Watterson vs TCC round III. Will be a great trilogy.
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I agree here. For Watterson, they will be really good. Are they win the state title good - We shall see. To have a team that dominate as Watty or TCC did last year, pieces must fit. While watty gets 7 def starters back, the 4 they lost were really experienced and special kids. CJ Youell will be very tough to replace at DE. On offense, losing all 4 receivers will be a shock to the system but carter bellisari showed he can be solid pass catcher and Noah is 6'4 TE with good athletic ability. 3 of 5 Oline starters come back (losing Vance Graney at center will hurt) but i think it will be solid again. Bellisari back at QB and i expect him to take another step passing. RB is good question. Obviously Weber had a historic year but Watty does have 2 backs who have played. Jack McCoy and Ben Uhlenhake. They aren't Weber so I expect the 30 plus yard runs we saw all year to be drastically reduced but they are experienced solid HS backs. I also liked watching the younger Mangini run in JV time. he hits hole hard so I agree it will likely be committee.

in 2023 Watty was very good but that wasn't good enough to win title. 2024 they were. I predict they are somewhere between 2023 and 2024 team next year which certainly has a shot to win it all.
 
TCC returns their QB who started the championship game (he is a sophomore). They return 4 on the OL, their backup RB who had like 10 TDs, and 2 WRs with D1 offers. On defense, the DPOY returns as a DB who can also play WR. 2 starting LBs return and a few DL.

Not sure where TCC will be: D2 or D3. Id prefer D2. But we will see. Team should be pretty good. This years team was really a rebuilding year.
 
Believe London only had 7 seniors. They lose Sollars and turner and a good lineman. Gravely, parks and pretty much everybody else is back. I look for them to be back in region 12 championship again and perhaps final 4 again as well.

However, I don’t see the other 3 from the final 4 falling off. Steubenville is always strong and Chardon usually solid too. Can VASJ actually live up to expectations? As stated above Bloom Carroll is usually pretty good and could challenge possibly. Hartley maybe depending on what they have. Tipp, Wapak, St marys, CJ probably only other possible region 12 challengers.
 
BR needs to find 5 games heading into 2025. Losing 18 seniors. While I’ll never doubt them. This could be a rebuilding year. Replacing a lot of lineman and skill next season.

Probably still win 8-9 games but still feel Watty is 20-30 points better than them again next season with everything they return in 2025.

2 key issues. The apparent starting QB already has had a few concussions and apparent starting RB is dealing with a 3rd knee injury. There health will be paramount to a successful 2025.
 
I have a lot of respect for Chardon and London and I know Chardon has proven they can win state with their system but once they get deep in the playoffs their margin for error is so slim because the threat of the pass isn't really there for either of them. If they could develop the ability to throw the ball effectively 10-12 times a game I think it would make them so much more dangerous.

If TCC bumps up to D2 who takes their place in region 10?

The other big realignment question is what happens if the OHSAA does some real investigative work and bumps a certain D4 team from Cleveland up to D3 (or hell maybe even D2?) Assuming they weren't banned from the playoffs which region would they fit into and how would they compete in D3? I don't want to say their name out loud b/c I don't want this thread being hijacked.

Another vague comment (b/c I'm trying to keep the crazy out of here) but rumblings are there are a number of players from a certain public school in Watterson's footprint that are talking about transferring in. This school's coach recently walked (or ran depending on who you ask) away. The program hasn't had a lot of success at any level for the past several years. With that being said and Watterson's depth of returning talent I'm not sure any of these kids could crack the starting lineup at Watterson but it could be interesting. And before any accusations start flying, Watterson is not actively pursuing these kids. These are kids disenfranchised with the state of their program and attracted to the success and culture that Watterson has built. Success and culture "recruits" itself.
 
Eagle_Panther said:
I have a lot of respect for Chardon and London and I know Chardon has proven they can win state with their system but once they get deep in the playoffs their margin for error is so slim because the threat of the pass isn't really there for either of them. If they could develop the ability to throw the ball effectively 10-12 times a game I think it would make them so much more dangerous.

If TCC bumps up to D2 who takes their place in region 10?

The other big realignment question is what happens if the OHSAA does some real investigative work and bumps a certain D4 team from Cleveland up to D3 (or hell maybe even D2?) Assuming they weren't banned from the playoffs which region would they fit into and how would they compete in D3? I don't want to say their name out loud b/c I don't want this thread being hijacked.

Another vague comment (b/c I'm trying to keep the crazy out of here) but rumblings are there are a number of players from a certain public school in Watterson's footprint that are talking about transferring in. This school's coach recently walked (or ran depending on who you ask) away. The program hasn't had a lot of success at any level for the past several years. With that being said and Watterson's depth of returning talent I'm not sure any of these kids could crack the starting lineup at Watterson but it could be interesting. And before any accusations start flying, Watterson is not actively pursuing these kids. These are kids disenfranchised with the state of their program and attracted to the success and culture that Watterson has built. Success and culture "recruits" itself.
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Just for clarification, we would be bumped up to D3 if OHSAA would add the Ginn Academy kids that reside in the Glenville zone we wouldn’t be anywhere near D2. An investigation isn’t needed, it’s simply a policy change by OHSAA. No hijack, just providing some facts.
 
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Tarblooder_Rocketgrad said:
Just for clarification, we would be bumped up to D3 if OHSAA would add the Ginn Academy kids that reside in the Glenville zone we wouldn’t be anywhere near D2. An investigation is needed, it’s simply a policy change by OHSAA. No hijack, just providing some facts.
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Correct, not close. You could assign the max CB score to every single player on the team and Glenville would still fall well under D2.

Fyi, Perkins is (or was) the biggest D4 and only 1 kid shy of D3, or maybe 2 kids depending on the math. They could easily be D3 next year.

TCC is the best D3 team that is close to bumping out. That is anyone's guess next year.
 
Eagle_Panther said:
I have a lot of respect for Chardon and London and I know Chardon has proven they can win state with their system but once they get deep in the playoffs their margin for error is so slim because the threat of the pass isn't really there for either of them. If they could develop the ability to throw the ball effectively 10-12 times a game I think it would make them so much more dangerous.

If TCC bumps up to D2 who takes their place in region 10?

The other big realignment question is what happens if the OHSAA does some real investigative work and bumps a certain D4 team from Cleveland up to D3 (or hell maybe even D2?) Assuming they weren't banned from the playoffs which region would they fit into and how would they compete in D3? I don't want to say their name out loud b/c I don't want this thread being hijacked.

Another vague comment (b/c I'm trying to keep the crazy out of here) but rumblings are there are a number of players from a certain public school in Watterson's footprint that are talking about transferring in. This school's coach recently walked (or ran depending on who you ask) away. The program hasn't had a lot of success at any level for the past several years. With that being said and Watterson's depth of returning talent I'm not sure any of these kids could crack the starting lineup at Watterson but it could be interesting. And before any accusations start flying, Watterson is not actively pursuing these kids. These are kids disenfranchised with the state of their program and attracted to the success and culture that Watterson has built. Success and culture "recruits" itself.
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Man you are the crazy lol I'll take TCC over Watty in the third chapter if TCC stays in 3 though
 
TigerPaw said:
Correct, not close. You could assign the max CB score to every single player on the team and Glenville would still fall well under D2.

Fyi, Perkins is (or was) the biggest D4 and only 1 kid shy of D3, or maybe 2 kids depending on the math. They could easily be D3 next year.

TCC is the best D3 team that is close to bumping out. That is anyone's guess next year.
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Come on my man, you can’t let data points and facts get in the way of a good narrative.
 
Eagle_Panther said:
I have a lot of respect for Chardon and London and I know Chardon has proven they can win state with their system but once they get deep in the playoffs their margin for error is so slim because the threat of the pass isn't really there for either of them. If they could develop the ability to throw the ball effectively 10-12 times a game I think it would make them so much more dangerous.

If TCC bumps up to D2 who takes their place in region 10?

The other big realignment question is what happens if the OHSAA does some real investigative work and bumps a certain D4 team from Cleveland up to D3 (or hell maybe even D2?) Assuming they weren't banned from the playoffs which region would they fit into and how would they compete in D3? I don't want to say their name out loud b/c I don't want this thread being hijacked.

Another vague comment (b/c I'm trying to keep the crazy out of here) but rumblings are there are a number of players from a certain public school in Watterson's footprint that are talking about transferring in. This school's coach recently walked (or ran depending on who you ask) away. The program hasn't had a lot of success at any level for the past several years. With that being said and Watterson's depth of returning talent I'm not sure any of these kids could crack the starting lineup at Watterson but it could be interesting. And before any accusations start flying, Watterson is not actively pursuing these kids. These are kids disenfranchised with the state of their program and attracted to the success and culture that Watterson has built. Success and culture "recruits" itself.
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Super interesting but understandable. I am with you. Right now, Watty talent might make it hard for average kid to win a starting spot. I told my buddy from Cleveland that I believe 2024 Watterson starters were all good enough to play college football at some level. That is a crazy statement when you think about it for a HS team. TCC would likely be abler to make the same claim as well as top D1 and D2 HS teams.
 
Eagle_Panther said:
If TCC bumps up to D2 who takes their place in region 10?
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Their opponent in the regional final this year, Padua, loses a lot and will take a step back. They will be very young next season, but could be a contender again for the region in 2026.
Not sure if there are any other contenders in region 10 for next year. Benny could be solid, but they lose a lot as well.
 
In R10, TCC's program is on another level from the rest of the pack. Doubt that will change in 2025. Perhaps Perkins if, as indicated above, they move up to D3, could give TCC a challenge.

Padua made it to the regional finals with a 5-5 record in 2024 as it did in 2022 but graduates a lot of seniors, so I expect a down year. I've read on other threads that Benedictine (the #2 or #3 team in R10 in 2024) also graduates a lot of seniors.

Several publics in R10 have nice programs within their conferences (Buckeye, River, Lexington, Maumee, Midview, Revere, Copley, Lexington, BG) but never seem to be able to get past mid-tier parochials like Padua, Holy Name, Benny, or even Elyria Catholic let alone a program like TCC.

I wonder about Tiffin Columbian. They seem to be the best public program in R10 over the long haul but had a disappointing 2024 season. I really enjoyed seeing Padua play at their place in the 2022 playoffs. Great crowd, nice people. easy to root for even without a connection. Hope they return to form in 2025.
 
Teddy_Westside said:
Their opponent in the regional final this year, Padua, loses a lot and will take a step back. They will be very young next season, but could be a contender again for the region in 2026.
Not sure if there are any other contenders in region 10 for next year. Benny could be solid, but they lose a lot as well.
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Yep, was just thinking and typing about Padua as you did. Rebuilding year in 2025 methinks.
 
raising4daughters said:
In R10, TCC's program is on another level from the rest of the pack. Doubt that will change in 2025. Perhaps Perkins if, as indicated above, they move up to D3, could give TCC a challenge.

Padua made it to the regional finals with a 5-5 record in 2024 as it did in 2022 but graduates a lot of seniors, so I expect a down year. I've read on other threads that Benedictine (the #2 or #3 team in R10 in 2024) also graduates a lot of seniors.

Several publics in R10 have nice programs within their conferences (Buckeye, River, Lexington, Maumee, Midview, Revere, Copley, Lexington, BG) but never seem to be able to get past mid-tier parochials like Padua, Holy Name, Benny, or even Elyria Catholic let alone a program like TCC.

I wonder about Tiffin Columbian. They seem to be the best public program in R10 over the long haul but had a disappointing 2024 season. I really enjoyed seeing Padua play at their place in the 2022 playoffs. Great crowd, nice people. easy to root for even without a connection. Hope they return to form in 2025.
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Tiffin had a great run with those Rogo brothers and the RB that went to Penn. It was so far off this year from being competitive though it would take monster changes to compete.
 
Bidenomics said:
Losing 18 seniors. While I’ll never doubt them. This could be a rebuilding year. Replacing a lot of lineman and skill next season.

Probably still win 8-9 games but still feel Watty is 20-30 points better than them again next season with everything they return in 2025.

2 key issues. The apparent starting QB already has had a few concussions and apparent starting RB is dealing with a 3rd knee injury. There health will be paramount to a successful 2025
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Big Red lost 32 kids from their 2023 D4 state semi-final team, 17 of them seniors, and 13 of them were starters. The 2024 team will lose 18 seniors, 13 of them starters (P included). Hopefully they don't lose a bunch of guys in the portal or to their #1 sport this offseason.

They have a lot of talent returning, but if you're correct about the top QB returning on the depth chart, that's a huge concern because he's really good and they have 6 very talented pass catchers returning.

With Hython, Crosier, West, and Henderson in the backfield, I don't think they need to rush #22 back if he's not 100% or whatever healthy means to him at this point. I also think he won't be needed to play as much LB in 2025.

Its always going to be a tall task for a D3 public to win a D3 title; you really need a loaded team to do that.
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Only 7 public schools have won D3 championships in the last 25 years.

Chardon 2x (Defeated Desales & Badin)
Steubenville 2x (Defeated Desales & Alter)
Trotwood Madison 2x (Defeated Tri-Valley & Mansfield)
Aurora (Defeated Eastmoor)
Big Walnut (Defeated Licking Valley)
Canfield (Defeated Bloom Carroll)
Kenston (Defeated Alter)
 
This division next year will depend on what happens with TCC. They have plenty of talent and we played them recently for our opener. They are well coached. Definite X Factor for D 2 and D3.
 
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