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ATHENS, Ohio — After spending a year at Minnesota, redshirt senior Sieh Bangura (Bowie, Md.) is back at Ohio, eager to pick up where he left off. The running back, who was named Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year in 2022, is ready to return to the team where he made an immediate impact.
"It feels good to be back," Bangura said. "Everyone's been welcoming, and it feels like I never left. I'm excited to be back with the coaches and teammates."
In 2022, his standout performance helped lead Ohio, and set the tone for a promising future. The following year, Bangura led Ohio with 178 carries, 811 yards and 12 touchdowns. After that success, Bangura transferred to Minnesota, hoping to challenge himself in the Big Ten.
Bangura found that the level of competition was higher, but he wasn't facing it often. He experience, albeit one he appreciates, taught him the value of time on the field no matter where he is.
This spring, Bangura decided to return to Ohio. It wasn't the same program he'd left a year and some change ago, yet he still felt the familiarity would help him. He missed the comfort of knowing who stood alongside him. Ohio has always felt like home to him.
"It was a decision I made for myself and for my future. I knew I wanted to get back to Ohio, and I'm excited to see how things progress under Coach Smith," he said.
Despite his past accomplishments, and spots in the Bobcats' record book, nothing is guaranteed for Bangura.
"I'm coming in like I'm a freshman again," Bangura said. "I'm here to work hard, earn my spot, and help the team win however I can."
Bangura is also taking on a bigger leadership role this time around. In tandem with his work on the field, he wants to lift his teammates. It's not just about playing anymore.
However, he still wants to improve his game. Spring practice gives him the perfect opportunity to refine his agility and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season. Bangura hopes to trip up defenders and find fluidity on his cuts. He knows he can break tackles, but he doesn't want the defenders to have a clean shot at him.
For Bangura, returning to Ohio was about reconnecting with a special part of himself that only Athens knew how to provide.
"I really like it here," Bangura said. "The fans care about football, and the community is great. It's a place where I feel like I belong, and it's nice to be back in a place that feels like home."
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