The Indian Hill Braves football team is stepping into a new era as they transition to Division III for the 2026 season. Under the guidance of head coach John Rodenberg, who is entering his fifth season with the program and his 33rd year With a rich history of excellence in Greater Cincinnati, the Braves are determined to make their mark in the new division.

Rodenberg, reflecting on the upcoming season, emphasized the unique dynamics of each new year. “Every year is a new season,” he noted. “You get some returners but you’ve got a whole group of new players. The camaraderie is part of it but just coming together and seeing if we can get some goals accomplished.”

The Braves’ Defensive Powerhouse

The Indian Hill defense was a formidable force in the previous season, achieving remarkable statistics that left a lasting impression. The team allowed an average of just 161 yards defensively, with a staggering 3.2 yards rushing and 9.2 yards passing per game. Their defensive prowess was evident as they conceded only 10 points per game on average.

Key returners to the defensive lineup include junior linebackers Topher Wachtel and Joey Jernigan both of whom made significant contributions with 83 tackles each in the previous season. Rodenberg praised their growth, stating, “They made the defense really good last year because I didn’t know what to expect out of them because they were both first-year starters. But, they’re both bigger and stronger.”

Senior defensive back Dylan Hartman a Division IV first-team all-state player, returns to bolster the secondary. His versatility and experience will be crucial as the team adapts to the challenges of Division III. Senior cornerback Tyler Fitzgerald adds another layer of defensive strength with his adaptability and skill.

Offensive Strategies and Key Players

On the offensive side, the Braves are led by senior quarterback Devlan Daniel a second-year starter and four-year varsity player. Daniel, who is verbally committed to Mississippi State for baseball, brings a dynamic dual-threat capability to the team. In the 2026 season, he threw for 1,192 yards and 13 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,116 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Daniel’s versatility is a key asset for the Braves. “I just want to be more consistent as a quarterback rather than just a running quarterback,” Daniel said. “I want to be able to have options where we don’t have to run the ball 20/30 times a game. But, we can have an even balance of pass and run.”

Coach Rodenberg is focused on helping Daniel refine his passing game. “I want him to continue to work on his passing game,” Rodenberg said. “I think he throws the ball really well. I think he can actually be a college quarterback.”

Junior tailback Jacob Alexander is another player to watch in the backfield. With 674 yards and 7 touchdowns last season, Alexander is poised to make a significant impact. “He’s poised to do some really great things because people will focus on Devlan and that can make Jacob even better,” Rodenberg noted.

Season Opener and Aspirations

The Braves will kick off their season with two road games, starting at Roger Bacon on August 21 and then at Beechwood on August 28. These early matches will set the tone for the team’s performance in the new division.

The ultimate goal for the Indian Hill Braves is clear: to compete for a state championship. Senior quarterback Devlan Daniel captured the team’s collective ambition when he said, “Everyone wants to be here. Everyone wants to compete. We all have the same goal. Go win a state championship and I don’t think that thought process has wavered from anyone’s mind.”

As the Braves embark on this new journey, the combination of experienced leadership, talented players, and a shared vision of success positions them as strong contenders in Division III. With the support of their community and the determination to excel, the Indian Hill Braves are ready to make their mark in the 2026 season.