Maverick Ohle’s Transition to North Central College

Maverick Ohle, a graduate of Naperville Central, made a significant decision to leave Ohio University in search of a new path. His next destination was not far off North Central College. Joining this NCAA Division III team last year, Ohle quickly proved his mettle during his sophomore season.

Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 282 pounds, Ohle felt confident he would thrive in a successful program close to his roots. “It was an easy decision,” Ohle noted. “This is the place to be for DIII football. It’s been great.” Ohle plays a crucial role in North Central College’s efforts to fill the shoes of John Sullivan. Sullivan, a Lakes graduate, earned the title of Division III defensive player of the year last season by The Associated Press. Sullivan’s presence in the defensive line propelled the Cardinals to their sixth straight national championship game.

Ohle, having worked alongside Sullivan, is prepared to step up and lead. He and teammate Graham Wight, who transitioned from defensive end to tackle, made a commitment prior to this season. “Graham and I knew we were the duo to watch,” Ohle stated. “We committed to work hard in the offseason. In camp, we decided to become the most aggressive unit out there.”

The duo will test their readiness on Saturday as they face No. 2 Bethel at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium in Naperville. “Players like JP Sullivan are exceptional,” noted NCC coach Brad Spencer. “Leaders should be remembered without the void of missing them. It’s a cycle we’re familiar with.”

Ohle’s previous season boasted 35 tackles, seven for loss, and two sacks, earning him an All-CCIW first-team selection and All-Region third-team honors. Yet, his journey wasn’t straightforward. “JP Sullivan was incredibly talented,” Ohle recalled. “Playing alongside him initially was challenging due to the attention he commanded. But as we bonded, he elevated my game, and I elevated his,” he reflected.

Coach Spencer sees great potential in Ohle. Recognizing Ohle’s abilities when he was a high school player under Naperville Central coach Mike Ulreich—Spencer’s former NCC teammate—Spencer says, “Mav’s potential is boundless. Since age 17, we saw his promise. It requires determination, and Mav has put in the effort. That builds trust.”

During a game on September 23, 2022, with Naperville Central against Neuqua Valley, Ohle demonstrated his prowess by sacking Ryan Mohler of Neuqua Valley. After experiencing the challenging college football landscape at Ohio, Ohle faced uncertainty when coach Tim Albin left for Charlotte post-MAC championship in 2024. The news came on a bus ride back, just before Ohle’s birthday. “The future was uncertain,” Ohle said. “I knew I had to enter the portal.”

Returning to his hometown was pivotal. Embed into the Cardinals’ program swiftly, Ohle remarked, “North Central is its distinct community. Different from Naperville’s mainstream. Diverse players come together, forging incredible bonds.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter.