Ohio football is about to get a whole lot more exciting. Mike Jacobs, a true Buckeye at heart, is stepping into the head coaching role at Toledo, and he’s bringing a fresh wave of Ohio pride with him. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Jacobs isn’t just relying on his own roots—he’s reportedly finalizing a deal to bring Cris Reisert, the rising star from Gardner-Webb, on board as Toledo’s next offensive coordinator. This move could be a game-changer, but it’s also raising eyebrows. Is Reisert ready for the leap from the FCS to the FBS? Let’s dive in.
Jacobs is no stranger to Ohio’s football landscape. A former Ohio State player and a coach who’s built his career in the Buckeye State, he’s now taking the reins at Toledo after Jason Candle’s departure to UConn. With an impressive 93 career wins under his belt, including successful stints at Notre Dame College (Ohio) and Lenoir-Rhyne (North Carolina), Jacobs is poised to make his mark on a program just 10 miles from his hometown of Maumee. But here’s the part most people miss: Jacobs’ deep Ohio connections aren’t just personal—they’re strategic. By hiring Reisert, he’s doubling down on that local expertise.
Reisert, a Cincinnati native, is no slouch. As Gardner-Webb’s head coach, he led the Runnin’ Bulldogs to a 7-5 record in his second year, narrowly missing a first-place tie in the Big South-OVC alliance. Before that, he made waves at Tiffin University, where he went 40-11 in five seasons and earned a spot on the AFCA’s prestigious 35 under 35 list. A former Ohio Dominican quarterback and two-time NAIA All-American, Reisert was even named the NAIA’s 2007 National Player of the Year. His induction into Ohio Dominican’s Hall of Fame in 2019 cemented his legacy as one of the state’s football greats.
But here’s the controversial question: Can Reisert’s success at the FCS level translate to the FBS? While his resume is impressive, the jump to a higher division is no small feat. Jacobs clearly believes in Reisert’s ability to elevate Toledo’s offense, but only time will tell if this gamble pays off. And this is where you come in—do you think Reisert has what it takes, or is Jacobs taking a risk that could backfire? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
One thing’s for sure: with Jacobs and Reisert at the helm, Toledo is set to become a program to watch. Their shared Ohio roots and proven track records make for a compelling story, but it’s their vision for the future that has fans buzzing. Will they bring Toledo to new heights, or will the pressure of the FBS prove too much? Only time will tell. One thing’s certain: Ohio football just got a lot more interesting.
