Reigning two-time defending NJCAA champion College of DuPage embarks on the 2023 season when it takes on Division I Ellsworth on Thursday night in Iowa Falls, Iowa.
 
Head coach Matthew Rahn says this year's Chaps, ranked first in the NJCAA preseason poll, feature a long list of players seeing playing time for the first time in their collegiate careers.
 
But there's a catch.
 
"That might be true, but it isn't their first time playing college football,'' he said. "We're very fortunate that when we build our roster, we have a large segment that take the redshirt path. It's not easy when you've played at every part of your career and then you're asked to spend a season becoming bigger, stronger and faster. Guys want to play.''
 
Examples across the board feature linemen that enter COD at 250 to 260 pounds and build themselves up 40 pounds with increased speed. Or wide receivers, who become stronger and don't lose a step after entering school at 150 and becoming 190-pound standouts.
 
Those redshirts have spent time in previous seasons' practices making game-day players better and more prepared.
 
"Our scout teams have pushed our starters in the past,'' Rahn said. "Across the board, we work on developing a culture of responsibility. It sets us apart and makes our guys desirable for the next level in their football careers.''
 
The Chaps return a pair of All-Americans from last year's squad in running back Jaden McGill and defensive player of the year Guy Goss.
 
McGill finished 12^th in the NJCAA yards/game (44.3 yards) and 13^th in rushing yards (399) with a career-best 133 yards against Detroit Community Christian.
 
Goss was a two-time defensive player of the week at his strong safety position last season and ranked second in the division in solo tackles (30). At Georgia Military, he had eight solo tackles and totaled 12 tackles in a win over nationally ranked Hocking.
 
It's safe to say that those two make the Chaps' cause much stronger in 2023.
 
"Jalen is as complete a running back as there is,'' Rahn said. "He can run through the line and run around the edge.''
 
"Guy is so well rounded,'' Rahn said. "Everyone ups their play around him. He makes his teammates better players.''
 
Offensive line
Rahn said he feels good about his line with only one Chap, Damaurius Stewart, who saw playing time a year ago. "The guys we have lining up played big roles on scout team a year ago. They love the challenge and their ready for their turn.'' Redshirt freshmen Alejandro Arellano, Ramon Fuentes, Greg Fotinopoulos and Aaron Phillips will play pivotal roles. At tight end, Dylan Gaston returns with Ethan Quaye, Braden Downs in the mix. Kyle Kopczynski, a converted interior lineman moved over to tight end. He again will handle long-snapping duties on special teams.
 
Wide receivers
Sophomore Demetrius Kellie returns after compiling 207 yards on 15 receptions and three TDs. Veterans Fred Ferati and Lafabian Fain join Kellie with freshmen Deszmund White, Willie Feagin and Madixx Morris providing solid fall camps.
 
Quarterback
Freshman all-American Gavin Sukup, who threw for 1,431 yards and totaled 16 TDs with one just one interception, moved on to NCAA Division II Indianapolis. Rahn said the QB position is a "three-headed monster" with sophomores Peyton O'Laughlin (18-of-30, 283 yards, 6 TDs), Robert Brazziel (81 passing yards and 3 TDs, 121 rushing yards) and redshirt freshman Jack Leons.
 
Running backs
McGill returns after his All-American season. Rahn says Upper Iowa transfer Ernest Temple is a "big, downhill back'' with redshirt freshmen Jamareon Dale and Atiba Fitz in the rotation.
 
Defensive line
The interior line includes a number of elder statesmen who will see their third fall seasons with Nick Esposito, Jordan Rice-Reno and Demond Butcher. Rahn said redshirt freshman Josh Narcisse has developed his play along with freshmen Immanuel Williams and Ayize Martin. At the end positions are sophomores Bobby Anderson and Nic Sturgill and freshmen L.J. Griffin and Darion Johnson.
 
Linebackers
Redshirt freshman Dominick McDonough added size and strength from a year ago and will play at linebacker along with returners Me'Kael Alcine and Andrew King with true freshman Martrell Hightower.
 
Defensive backs
One of the strengths for this Chaps, led by Goss. He is joined with returner Kamron Gothard, who also played on last year's basketball team that placed sixth in the country. Joining Goss and Gothard are: redshirt freshman Michael Gravely Jr., who was at Michigan State in 2021, Riley Dravet, Ernest Blackshire Jr., Andrew Ewald and Brandon Vines.
 
Special teams
Both punter and kicker will have first time players as P Marko Dubak moved on to Florida A&M and K Joshua Winslow (Augustana, Ill.). At kicker, it's between Mason Wotats and Christian Casillas. Punter is Cody Maddock.
 
The Ellsworth series
The Chaps are 9-10 since the 2005 season against the Division I Panthers. COD has won the last three games in the series, including the head coaching debut for Matthew Rahn in 2021, a 17-6 win in Iowa Falls.
 
Watch the game
The game will be livestreamed, via Ellsworth's youtube channel. You can watch the game by clicking this link.