The Middlebury football team returns to action on Saturday, September 19 against Wesleyan. The Panthers completed last fall’s slate with a 5-4 record and look for their third NESCAC Title in the last seven years. Captaining this year’s squad is the trio of Charlie Grant, Charlie Ozolin and Matt Shaw.

Middlebury welcomes back several top performers on the offensive side of the ball, including Connor McClellan, Jeremy Kiefer, Luis Kuehberger and Jordan Angstreich. An All-NESCAC First Team Offensive selection a year ago, McClellan tallied 959 yards on 199 attempts alongside 13 touchdowns. His touchdown total ranked second in the program's single-season record book, while his carries and yardage totals were third. He posted a career-best outing with 35 carries for 216 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-21 victory over Hamilton. Through two seasons, the Panther has logged 282 rushes for 1,389 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns alongside 21 receptions for 168 yards.

Kiefer led the receiving corps with three touchdown catches and ranked in the top-five spots in catches (16) and receiving yards (126). He secured the game-winning touchdown in overtime to defeat Tufts in the season finale. Kuehberger is the top returner on the boundary with 31 grabs and 369 yards and a score last fall, while Angstreich hauled in 20 balls for 255 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The defense returns a solid nucleus with multiple seasoned players. Shaw and Michael Votta look to solidify the second level. Shaw led the unit a year ago in tackles (64), assisted stops (41) and quarterback hurries (eight), alongside two and a half tackles for loss and a pair of picks. He posted a career-high 13 best stops against Amherst. Votta accumulated 45 tackles, highlighted by a collegiate-best seven versus the Mammoths and sacked the opposing quarterback twice. The Panther also recovered a fumble in the matchup with Trinity.

The trio of Ozolin, Grant and James Woodward all return to the defensive backfield. Ozolin appeared in all nine contests a season ago, tallying squad-best totals with 26 solo tackles and four pass breakups, while recording two interceptions. Grant pulled in a Middlebury-best three interceptions across nine contests. He accumulated 34 tackles (21 unassisted) and a fumble recovery. The Panther contributes in other areas of the field, making an impact on both defense and special teams. He collected a season-best eight tackles with four solo stops in the come-from-behind overtime win over Tufts. Grant is also a presence as a returner on the kickoff and punt teams.

Mandigo returns for his fourth season at the helm and 20th overall with a plethora of first-year talent added to the roster. He welcomes back defensive coordinator Ryan Paquette and Anthony Marsella, who was elevated to offensive coordinator. Also returning are assistant coaches Gus Brakeley, Dave Caputi ’81 and Kevin Woodring ‘20. Joining the group this fall are assistant coaches Patrick Madden and Patrick Peluso.