Ottawa was picked to finish sixth in the KCAC Media and Coaches Poll that was released on July 28. The Braves received 105 points from the media and 42 from the conference coaches.

Devin Johnston, a defensive back, was named to the 2022 KCAC Preseason Football Team. He was named AP NAIA Second Team All-American and earned First Team All-KCAC at defensive back in 2021. He was also named Honorable Mention All-KCAC as a kick returner. Johnston finished the 2021 season with 28 tackles (17 solo/11 assisted), two forced fumbles, eight interceptions, and four pass break ups. As a kick returner, Johnston had 19 returns for 518 yards, averaged 27.3 yards per return, and returned on kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown. He finished the year ranked first in the NAIA in interceptions (8) and seventh in interceptions returned for a touchdown (1). Off the gridiron, Johnston was named to the CoSIDA NAIA Academic All-District 3 First Team.

The Braves have 32 underclassmen, out of 53 spots, listed in its two deep to open the season. On offense, 18 out of 22 are underclassmen. On the defensive side of the ball, the Braves have 10 underclassmen listed in their two deep out of the 22 spots.

Saturday's game is the 767th game for the Braves against a conference opponent. Ottawa is 467-281-18 overall in games against teams from the KCAC. In conference play, Ottawa has a record of 447-274-16.

The meeting on Sept. 3 is the 69th meeting between the two teams. Ottawa leads the series, 37-28-2. Southwestern is on a two game winning streak against the Braves, defeating OU 28-14 at home on April 14, 2021 and 41-13 in Winfield on Sept. 4, 2021. Ottawa is 2-3 in the last five meetings between the two teams and 7-3 in the last 10 games. Ottawa is 22-15 against Southwestern in Ottawa

Ottawa has a record of 55-64-8 in season openers and have won four straight to open the season. The last time OU opened against Southwestern College was in 2019. Ottawa trailed 27-13 to the Moundbuilders at the half in Winfield. The Braves outscored SWC 22-6 in the third quarter and the defense pitched a shutout in the fourth to take the 35-34 victory.

For the first time since 1975, there will not be a Kessinger coaching in the KCAC. Dr. Ted Kessinger coached at Bethany College from 1976 to 2003. Dr. Kent Kessinger led the Braves from 2004 to 2021.