DEFIANCE (WLIO) - The Defiance Bulldogs are looking to bounce back in 2026 after going 4-6 last season, their first sub-.500 campaign since 2021.

Defiance must replace eight starters on offense and seven on defense, including WBL leading rusher Kelten Gibbs. Gibbs rushed for 1,717 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

The Bulldogs also lose Division 3 All-Ohio first-team offensive lineman Tyler Doeden-Kiessling.

Defiance opens the season on the road against Napoleon, a team the Bulldogs defeated by one point in last year's opener.

Second-year head coach Steve Rittenour will look to guide Defiance back into the win column in 2026.

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