Maverick Ohle’s Transition to North Central College

Maverick Ohle made a significant decision when he transferred from Ohio University to North Central College. The Naperville Central graduate, standing at 6-foot-2 and 282 pounds, quickly established himself as a key player for the NCAA Division III team during his sophomore year. “I chose this program because of its success and proximity to home,” Ohle remarked. “Joining NCC was an easy choice. It’s the ideal place for DIII sports.”

Ohle’s role is crucial as NCC aims to fill the void left by John Sullivan, last season’s Division III defensive player of the year from The Associated Press. Sullivan’s presence on the defensive line was instrumental in leading the Cardinals to their sixth straight national championship game. Having learned from Sullivan, Ohle is now ready to lead.

He and teammate Graham Wight, who shifted to defensive tackle, formed a commitment for the new season. “We determined early that Graham and I would be the starting defensive tackles,” Ohle explained. “We knew I needed to step up. We spent the offseason honing our skills. As camp started, we pledged to become a formidable unit.”

Their efforts will be tested soon, as the top-ranked Cardinals face No. 2 Bethel at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium in Naperville for the season’s first game. NCC coach Brad Spencer commented, “Replacing leaders like JP is a challenge, but it’s a cycle we’re familiar with.”

Last season, Ohle recorded 35 tackles, seven for losses, and achieved two sacks. He earned All-CCIW first-team and All-Region third-team honors, though his progress took time. “JP Sullivan was an exceptional player,” Ohle acknowledged. “Playing alongside him was initially tough due to the attention he received. Yet, our rapport helped us enhance each other’s play.”

Spencer, having known Ohle since his years at Naperville Central under coach Mike Ulreich, believes in Ohle’s potential. “Mav has limitless possibilities,” he stated. “We’ve seen his potential since he was 17. Hard work pays off, and Mav has proven his dedication, creating a solid foundation of trust.”

In a moment recalling his past, Ohle again demonstrated his prowess when he sacked Neuqua Valley’s Ryan Mohler during a DuPage Valley Conference game in Naperville on September 23, 2022.

Ohle’s journey included a quick realization about the business side of college football at Ohio. After the team’s MAC championship in 2024, coach Tim Albin left for a position at Charlotte, leaving players like Ohle in a state of uncertainty. “The future was unclear,” he shared. “I decided to enter the transfer portal.”

Once back in Naperville, Ohle integrated seamlessly into the Cardinals’ community. “North Central has its own unique atmosphere,” he observed. “It’s distinct from the rest of Naperville, and the bonds formed here are exceptionally strong.”

Paul Johnson contributed to this report as a freelance reporter.