UW Oshkosh football ready for “next step”, eyeing 12th conference title

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – After three straight six-win seasons, the UW Oshkosh football team is ready to take the next step. As the Titans prepare for their season opener on Saturday against #9 Wheaton College, the initial priority is to go 1-0.

“It’s definitely going to be a test for these guys and this team as a whole, but I think we’ll come away with a win this year,” junior linebacker Kyle Dietzen said of Wheaton, who beat Oshkosh 30-21 last season.

An early victory against a top-ranked opponent would set the Titans up for their ultimate goal, a 12th WIAC Conference Championship. Oshkosh last won the title in 2019.

“I do feel like the upperclassmen think this Conference title has been just out of our grasp, just by a little bit. And that’s again what’s exciting about this group; they recognize it, and they’re willing to go the extra mile to take the next step,” head coach Peter Jennings said.

For three seasons, a seventh win has eluded the team. Now, it’s a focus.

“All my friends and family always ask me what’s the difference? We just have to get over that hump really,” sophomore tight end Sam Peterson said of only winning six games.”

But before Oshkosh can vy for a conference title or a seventh win, the team has to earn one victory. The Titans kick off their season hosting #9 Wheaton on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Titan Stadium.

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