Player participation has declined since Brandon Ransburg became Oakland Tech’s head football coach as players and coaches adjust to new routines and expectations.
Ransburg is the program’s fourth head coach in four years. His priority is establishing a long-term foundation. He understands that winning takes time and is willing to be patient.
“I’m setting a solid foundation for years to come,” Ransburg said.
Dalen Thornton, a former Oakland Tech football player, left near the end of the summer right before his senior year after seeing other players quit or transfer. Though his coaches, teammates and parents encouraged him to stay, he ultimately decided football wasn’t his true focus.
“The biggest factor to me was just not having fun, thinking I’m gonna have to force myself to play,” Thornton said.
Thornton also claims he felt more connected to last year’s team and coaches. To him, the previous season included more team spirit and excitement.
This perspective differs from those who have chosen to continue playing under Ransburg. Players who decided to stay have claimed the program is now run with more emphasis on structure, understanding and respect.
Jzonlee Buckner, senior wide receiver, noticed that the junior varsity and varsity teams have fewer players. He alleged that some athletes left because they did not feel the new coaches were the right fit for them. At the same time, Buckner described the new staff as more organized and said communication has improved.
“I would say it’s more organized because Coach Ransburg has a schedule that he sends out on Hudl and each player follows it,” Buckner said.
Buckner also reported that the schedule includes study hall and position-specific practices, which feel less competitive and intense, whereas the players’ schedule seems more structured.
“This year, it’s much more organized. There’s a structure in how we’re lifting. We’re sprinting quite often,” said Vladimir Vessilev, the senior linebacker.
Vessilev says the connection between players and coaches was not immediate, but he believes it has grown as the season continued. He also said the team understands its mistakes and uses close losses as motivation.
To Ransburg, the team has grown more competitive. He pointed to a matchup against Miramonte High School in which Oakland Tech was down 18–12 in the third quarter and had possession with a chance to tie.
“Being down 18-6 by halftime, scoring 30 points after halftime, that’s them embracing the never-give-up attitude,” said Ransburg.
Ransburg said his approach focuses on fundamentals and daily responsibility. He expects players to attend class and practice on time, complete schoolwork, get enough sleep, and take care of their bodies.
Outside of practice, Ransburg has introduced events such as “Dads and Decals” and “Huddle and Heels” to involve families. The team’s next stage will depend on how players and coaches continue working together.
For a program that has witnessed four head coaches in four years, stability may be just as important as wins and losses. Ransburg said his goal is to establish habits and expectations that can last beyond one season, while players are still deciding how they feel about the changes.
The transition has not been the same for everyone. Some players have struggled to adjust to the new coaching staff, while others have embraced the added structure, communication, and conditioning.
As the season continues, the question for Oakland Tech football is whether Ransburg can turn those changes into long-term consistency. Despite years of coaching turnover and the season’s rocky start, the team won their game against Arroyo High on September 19, beating them 21-17. Building trust with players is a strong first step toward creating a program with a clear identity.