Jordin Chapman is the first quarterback playing back-to-back seasons for Osan coach Tyler Greve during his four-year run. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Eighth in a series of DODEA-Pacific football previews.
OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea – They’re eight seasons removed from their last Far East Division II football title. But Osan is on the road to becoming competitive again, coach Tyler Greve says.
The Cougars have the same quarterback for the second straight year, sophomore Jordin Chapman – a first in Greve’s four-year tenure.
Osan is deep in running backs and wide receivers.
And senior skills players Gevonni Lunn and T.J. Price have returned from missing last season due to injuries.
“We look better, a lot better than we did last year,” Greve said.
His Cougars are coming off two winless D-II seasons and are hoping they can make a mark in the upcoming campaign, which starts Saturday at home vs. two-time defending D-II champion Yokota.
Returning Chapman is one of the big pluses for the Cougars this season, Greve said. “It will help so much,” he said. “He brings continuity, he has a year of quarterback experience, a year of leadership and he’s a good athlete who can run.”
For his part, Chapman hopes all of that can help translate to long-sought victories on the field.
“Hard work and dedication are the keys to success,” said Chapman, adding that one challenge has been practicing early in the mornings to avoid afternoon heat. “Morning practices are tiring, but it shows how dedicated we are to winning, and trying to win.”
Getting Lunn and Price back is like getting two free-agent acquisitions, Greve said.
“We needed their leadership and their skill,” Greve said of Price and Lunn. “It would have made a big difference (last season), but I’m happy to have them back.”
Not all things are coming up roses for Osan.
For the second straight season, the Cougars are playing nine-man format, since the overall numbers aren’t there yet.
While they’re flush at the skills positions, the line isn’t all that big; junior Anthony Ford is the one interior player with significant size.
Division II teams are usually in a state of rebuilding, “especially Korea teams,” Greve said, because of the small enrollment at DODEA-Korea D-II schools. “We’ll start to have longer (military family) tours; that will help eventually.”
Bryson Grant and Osan's football team are hoping to get their hands on their first D-II Far East title in eight years. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Liam Callahan, taking handoff, is one of several quick athletes playing in the backfield for Osan. (Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes)
Osan Cougars
2025 season record — 1-4 overall.
Head coach — Tyler Greve, fourth season, 5-12 overall.
Championships — 2005, 2018 DODEA-Pacific Division II titles.
Returning players — 10.
Returning starter — 5.
Key performers — Jordin Chapman, So., QB; Anthony Ford, Jr., OL-DL; Gevonni Lunn, Sr., RB-CB; T.J. Price, Sr., RB-CB; Bryson Grant, So., RB-S; Adrian Mock, So., CB; Yusuf Sabur., Sr., DB; Jerry Prowant, So.; Tristan Robinson, So.; Hatsanu “Po” Pipattanabovonkul, So., DE-OL.
Strengths — Quickness and speed overall. First time Greve has had a returning quarterback during his time as coach. Depth at running back and receiver.
Drawbacks — Lack of depth, lack of size in the line, young across the board.
Overview — Rebuilding. Cougars will continue with nine-man format. Some little things are working in Osan’s favor, and with longer tours for military families coming into play, the Cougars could have a bright future.
2025 season schedule
Saturday, Aug. 29
Yokota at Osan
Saturday, Sept. 5
Osan at Robert D. Edgren
Friday, Sept. 11
Zama at Osan
Saturday, Sept. 19
Osan at Matthew C. Perry
Saturday, Oct. 17
Edgren at Osan
Friday, Oct. 23
Championship: teams, time and site to be determined
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