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ATHENS, Ohio— Ohio football alumnus and All-Mid-American Conference linebacker Keye Thompson is joining the 2026 Ohio football staff, supporting the linebackers room as an assistant coach and graduate assistant. 
 
"Keye was an outstanding player for the Bobcats, leading a 2023 defense that ranked fourth nationally in total defense," Head Coach John Hauser said. "He made a tremendous impact on his teammates during his time here, and I'm excited to see the positive influence he'll bring as a coach."
 
Thompson returns to Athens by way of Dennison, where he served as the linebackers coach for the 2025 season. He concluded his collegiate career at Pitt, appearing in 10 games for the Panthers. Thompson tallied 28 tackles on the season, including nine solo stops and two tackles for loss. 
 
"Returning to Ohio University football means a lot to me. This place helped shape me as a coach and as a man. I'm grateful for the opportunity to come back, pour into our student-athletes, and continue building on the standard of excellence here," Thompson said. "I'd like to give a special thank you to Coach Hauser and Coach Mattix for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat." 
 
A member of the Ohio football program from 2018-23, Thompson appeared in 45 games for the Bobcats, making 32 starts. Across five seasons, he logged 252 total tackles, including 113 solo stops, 23 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Thompson snagged three interceptions while recording 10 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries for Ohio. Notably, he recorded a 71-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against Bowling Green (Sept. 23, 2023), extending Ohio's lead to 21-0 at the end of the first quarter.
 
Thompson earned MAC East Division Player of the Week accolades five times and All-MAC recognition twice, capping off his time as a Bobcat by making 2023 All-MAC First Team Defense after earning third team honors the previous season. 
 
A Barberton, Ohio native, Thompson was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year honoree and earned an All-State nod while playing for Barberton High School. 
 
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