Just saw the OAC power rankings for 2026 and I'm trying to figure out what these analysts are actually watching. Capital Crusaders returns 85% of defensive production, the highest rate in the conference, and somehow we're still getting slotted behind programs that lost their entire front seven to graduation. Makes zero sense.
The defensive havoc rate last season was top three in the OAC and the core is still intact. Meanwhile the teams getting hyped above us are relying on 15+ portal additions that haven't taken a single snap together. Chemistry matters more than paper talent in this league and the numbers back that up. Capital's returning starter percentage on defense is nearly double what some of these projected contenders are working with.
Offense is the question mark sure but the schedule sets up favorably with three of the tougher road games coming after bye weeks. SP+ projections will catch up eventually but right now the disrespect is real. This is a top two roster in the OAC by any objective measure.