FAU Football: 2026 Schedule Predictions

For the Florida Atlantic Owls, 2026 is a very important season. Plenty of production is returning on offense, ranging from the starting quarterback to key offensive linemen. The defense also has key pieces back, and they added multiple high-potential players across the unit. Head coach Zach Kittley, along with his entire staff, returns to Boca Raton.

In a conference where change has become the norm, continuity is the reality for FAU. Can they turn that into consistency, and more importantly, a bowl game in 2026? Can they compete within a highly competitive conference? It is time to dive into it! Without further ado, here is the season preview for the FAU Owls!

FAU Football: 2026 Schedule Predictions

September 5: at Florida Gators

What a task for the Owls to open the 2026 season.

In Week 1, Florida Atlantic is set to head into “The Swamp” for a showdown with the Florida Gators. Florida has a coach the Owls are very familiar with in former Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall. The Gators return a few stars on both sides of the ball, headlined by wideout Vernell Brown Jr., running back Jadan Baugh, and defensive back Bryce Thornton. They also brought in some key transfers on both sides of the ball, headlined by players like quarterback Aaron Philo, wideout Eric Singleton Jr., and defensive end Emmanuel Oyebadejo.

While Florida is expected to easily win this game, they should not overlook the Owls. Returning multiple key members of their offense, Zach Kittley’s unit should be able to score some points in this game. If Caden Veltkamp and company can start fast, they have a chance to put the Gators on the back foot.

However, I have massive questions about the Owls’ defense until proven otherwise. I am also skeptical that FAU’s trenches will be firing on all cylinders in Week 1, and Florida will already have the size advantage heading in. The Owls can keep this one close for a bit, but I do not see them winning on the road in Week 1.

Result: Loss (0-1)

September 12: vs. Navy Midshipmen

A tough task awaits the Owls in Week 2, as the Navy Midshipmen arrive in Boca Raton.

Navy has one of the best coaches in the conference in Brian Newberry and an elite offensive coordinator in Drew Cronic. Braxton Woodson is set to take over from Blake Horvath at quarterback in 2026. Playing a key role at times in 2025, Woodson has great skill and potential as a quarterback within Navy’s offense.

FAU struggled massively against option teams and against the overall run game last season. In response, the Owls retained players like CJ Doggette Jr. and added multiple players in the trenches through the transfer portal, highlighted by Blake Burris. FAU also reshaped the cores of their linebacker and secondary rooms.

In this game, I think that the Owls should be able to take advantage of Navy working out some of the kinks in their offense early in the season. And when it comes to the offensive side of the ball, I do not see the Owls having any issue scoring points in this contest. This will be a battle, but unlike many times in 2025, I see FAU getting over the hurdle in Week 2. The Owls win their home opener, moving to 1-1 ahead of a critical Shula Bowl matchup.

Result: Win (1-1)

September 19: vs. FIU Panthers

While not a conference game, the Shula Bowl is a massive game for Florida Atlantic in 2026.

On the road last season, the Owls squandered a first-half lead and were rocked by the Panthers, losing their first matchup in this rivalry in a very long time. FAU was brutal against FIU’s rushing attack and had multiple turnovers on offense, essentially sealing their fate in the game.

In 2026, the Owls will now look for revenge against the Panthers on their home turf. The offensive continuity for FAU will be paramount in this game. Quarterback Caden Veltkamp and wideout Easton Messer, among others, will likely be heavily relied upon. FAU’s offensive trenches and run game will also be massive against the Panthers; in last year’s matchup, the Owls’ struggles in these areas directly led to their loss.

Defensively, the Owls will need their defensive line and secondary to step up to the plate against FIU. Even with some departures, the Panthers have the offensive weapons and the overall talent to push FAU to the brink in this game. It will take top-level execution and focus for the Owls to retain control of the Shula Bowl trophy.

On their home turf, I see the Owls doing just that. It will be a very close game, but FAU notches the victory to move to 2-1 on the season.

Result: Win (2-1)

September 26: at Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks

After what will be a very hard-fought game against FIU, the Owls hit the road to face the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks.

ULM, coming off a 3-9 record in 2025, is not exactly in the best spot heading into 2026 either. They have some intriguing transfers and talent on both sides of the ball, but this is truly a program in rebuild mode. FAU cannot lose focus in this game, but even if they slip a little bit, they should have no issues handling business on the road.

Result: Win (3-1)

October 3: vs. Texas Southern Tigers

Hosting an FCS opponent at home, the Owls should not have any issue with Texas Southern. This game comes at the perfect time for FAU, as they get a chance to build more momentum ahead of a difficult American Conference matchup with Army.

Result: Win (4-1)

October 17: at Army Black Knights

Looking at the remainder of their schedule from this point, the Owls’ matchup with Army is one of the hardest games and is one with massive ramifications in the American Conference.

Army’s offense will test FAU’s rebuilt defensive line and secondary all game long, just as Navy did at the beginning of the year. Quarterback Cale Hellums is a dangerous weapon in every aspect of the game, while Godspower Nwawuihe is a breakout candidate at running back. Defensively, Army returns standout defensive lineman Jack Bousum to anchor a very solid overall unit.

Facing both service academies in one year is very tough, and with this game being on the road, I foresee FAU starting off a bit slowly. The offense will find its footing, but that early start will be the edge Army needs to secure the win. it will be a very close game, but FAU suffers a loss to move to 4-2 on the season.

Result: Loss (4-2)

October 24: vs. Rice

Thanks to a beneficial scheduling setup, FAU goes from playing one option team in Army to facing another one in Rice.

Rice has the potential to be frisky on offense in 2026. Jaccuri Brown is a perfect schematic fit in Scot Abell’s offense, while Quinton Jackson has the ability to be one of the best running backs in the conference. Preston Zinter is an intriguing transfer at tight end that could contribute to this offense as well.

If this game was on the road, it would be a perfect “trap game” for the Owls of Boca Raton. However, this game being in Florida, as well as being right after the Army game, means that FAU will be locked in for this matchup. Expect the FAU offense to roll in this game, along with the defense stepping up to the plate by making plenty of stops. FAU moves to 5-2 on the year.

Result: Win (5-2)

October 29: at North Texas Mean Green

I am going to be frank at the start of this portion of the schedule prediction: I have no idea what to expect from North Texas in 2026.

With former head coach Eric Morris now at Oklahoma State, the roster is essentially brand new. 30 players left in the portal, and North Texas brought in 47 players as a result. These players range from offensive playmakers like quarterback Tayven Jackson and running back Jaheim White to linebacker Aaron Alexander. New head coach Neal Brown has had some prior success, but he is by no means a slam dunk to have the Mean Green rolling again. ]

Even with this being a road game, I am defaulting to FAU securing the victory. The Owls have too much firepower on offense to be slowed down by North Texas, while the Mean Green may not be able to find too much rushing success against a revamped FAU defensive line. This prediction could be way off once North Texas can put some things on film, but until then, FAU moves to 6-2.

Result: Win (6-2)

November 05: vs. UTSA Roadrunners

Many people have UTSA as a lock to be one of the best teams in the American Conference in 2026. I am not one of those people.

Yes, the Roadrunners have some great offensive playmakers this season. Owen McCown is a rock-solid quarterback, while Will Henderson and Brandon High is a great running back combination. UTSA even has some fun pass catchers and offensive linemen, which include wideout David Amador and offensive tackle Jonah Miller. Defensively, linebacker Owen Peewee and cornerback Ahamad Chapman have the potential to be two of the best players at their positions in the conference.

While the talent is impressive in some key areas, this UTSA roster needs to show that last season’s struggles were a fluke. The Roadrunners struggled massively on defense in multiple games, especially on the road. Offensively, the team would go from scoring with ease to struggling to score points at the drop of a hat. On the road, UTSA never seemed to hit its stride.

No one is mistaking FAU’s home environment for the Big House or Death Valley, but this will not be an easy test for UTSA. The Owls have the offense to put the Roadrunners in a bind, and I think the FAU defense can do enough to limit UTSA’s offense. I have the Owls securing the upset in this game, moving to 7-2 on the year.

Result: Win (7-2)

November 14: at Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Now, this is the trap game for FAU.

Tulsa, unlike previous seasons, does not have the roster of a pushover in the American Conference. Baylor Hayes is set to take another big step in year two, and he is surrounded by fun pieces like running back Damari Alston and wideout Josh Smith. The Golden Hurricane have some very fun players on defense as well, headlined by defensive lineman Tai Newhouse and STAR Devin Robinson.

Tre Lamb will have this team rolling, and coming off a big win over UTSA, I think the Golden Hurricane catch the Owls off guard in this game. One of my dark horses in 2026, Tulsa gets a surprise victory over the Owls, sending FAU to 7-3 on the year.

Result: Loss (7-3)

November 21: vs. USF Bulls

If FAU takes the steps I think they could take this year, this could be one of the last key cogs in determining conference championship participants. Even if that does not occur, though, this game has fun written all over it. 

Brian Hartline has a very fun roster in his first year with the Bulls, as he brought in the highest-rated transfer class in the entire conference. Offensively, there is high upside everywhere, ranging from quarterback Michael Van Buren to wideout Bryson Rodgers. Mudia Reuben and Wyatt Sullivan are two key returners for the Bulls, while Caleb Cook could be one of the best offensive linemen in the conference.

South Florida has some major upside on defense, too. Major Dillard and Asania Redwood look to anchor the interior of the trenches. Grayson Howard and Sam Robinson form a linebacker duo with sky-high potential. C.J. Hicks, finally in a starting role, looks to be a possible game-wrecker off the edge.

There will be fireworks in this game no matter what. The ultimate result, though, hinges on the defenses for both teams. Based on their own matchups with FIU and UTSA earlier in the year, I think the South Florida defense will be more than prepared to take on the Owls. Josh Aldridge, the South Florida DC, easily handled the FAU offense to close out the 2025 season. 

This game is the culmination of every test FAU has faced up to this point of the year. By this point of the season, the defense’s true form will be known, as well as the execution level of the offense.

Writing this prediction before Week 1, I do think FAU’s overall team lends itself to a closer game than last year’s matchup against South Florida. However, I do not see the Owls getting over the hump at home. The Bulls, in my eyes, have, even if slight, the advantage in the trenches. I also think that their style of offense will allow them to not only score points, but control the game enough to make the FAU offense press.

The Owls, after this game, move to 7-4 on the season.

Result: Loss (7-4) 

November 27 OR 28 (TBD): at ECU Pirates

In the last week of the season, the Owls are set to face East Carolina, an opponent who has had their number for the past few years.

The Pirates did not have head coach Blake Harrell poached, but the vast majority of key contributors departed in the transfer portal. Key returners for ECU include wideout Brock Spalding and defensive end Jasiyah Robinson, two players who had very successful 2025 seasons. Key transfers include quarterback Emory Williams and safety Myles Pollard.

Much like North Texas, this is a team that will have its expectations change as the year goes on. The Pirates are breaking in a ton of new pieces, and it will take some time to see how everything fits into place in 2026.

Regardless of that, though, I see FAU securing the victory to close out the regular season. The Owls have the offensive playmakers and the quarterback to pick up big plays all game long. And while the defense may give up some big plays of their own, I think FAU will get enough stops to win the game.

The Owls secure the victory and close out the 2026 season with an 8-4 record.

Result: Win (8-4)

FAU Football Team Preview

Breakout Player, Offense: Kaden Shields-Dutton, RB

To be more successful in 2026, the Owls will need to run the ball much better. Returning running back Kaden Shields-Dutton will be a major part of that. Totaling 460 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, the junior has the burst and vision to make quick decisions in the Owls’ up-tempo offense. He has the speed and strength to not only take advantage of blocks, but make big plays himself. Most importantly, Shields-Dutton has good hands and great pass-protecting skill. Expect a big year out of the running back as he helps FAU break their drought of appearing in a bowl game.

Breakout Player, Defense: Blake Burris, DL

Blake Burris has not only the size to be a force for FAU in 2026, but the overall athleticism to do so. An SMU transfer, the FAU coaching staff has raved about Burris since he arrived in Boca Raton. Whether blowing up plays against the run, pressuring the quarterback, or chasing down plays in space, Burris has shown tremendous upside all throughout fall camp. The defensive lineman still has to transfer production to game action, but if he does, the Owls’ defense will take a major leap.

Sleepers to Watch

Jay Crable, EDGE

A transfer from Ohio, Crable has the pure pass-rushing skill set to end plays on key third-down situations. He also has the play strength to not only contribute on running plays, but make key plays in the backfield. It remains to be seen how the rotation will look like for the defensive line, but Crable is a name to watch in 2026.

Justin Weatherall, DB

FAU needs a ballhawk, and Weatherall could be just that for the defense. In the spring game, the defensive back showed an innate ability to read the quarterback, resulting in an interception. Weatherall consistently provides great coverage down the field, and on run plays, he shows no fear in going after ball carriers. With no more redshirts in college football, the Owls have no need to hide Weatherall in 2026. If he gets on the field early, I do not see him giving up reps or playing time so easily.

Braden Cunningham, OL

The presumptive starting center, I think that Cunningham could be a real difference maker for the Owls in the trenches. Not only does Cunningham provide good measurables at the position, but he has the strength, quickness, and technique to thrive in the Air Raid offense. How the new center handles live game action will be very important to watch early in the season. If he handles things at a high level, the Owls will be in a very good position.

Ethan Ervin, RB

Leonard Farrow and Kaden Shields-Dutton are the most talked about options in the FAU backfield, but Ethan Ervin is another name to keep an eye on. Just listed under 200 pounds, Ervin runs with juice behind his pads on every snap. He is light on his feet and can make big plays happen in the open field. The coaching staff seems high on Ervin and his overall talent. If he takes a leap as a player in year two, he could make the Owls’ running back room very dynamic.

Brandon Hoch, WR

Wideout is always a hard room to project, and that is especially the case for FAU. However, Brandon Hoch is a key name to know as a sleeper in 2026. The Florida native has the size and route running to be a force on the outside in this offense. Hoch displayed his contested-catch ability in 2025, as well as his skill to make things happen after the catch. Like Weatherall, I do not see Hoch giving up playing time so easily if he sees the field early in 2026.

Team MVP: Caden Veltkamp, QB

Surprise? No, not really. Caden Veltkamp has to be “The Man” for FAU to have success in 2026, and I think he will do just that. The turnovers were bad last year, but with new weapons and a refined offensive line, I expect that number to drop by a decent amount. Veltkamp has also had another offseason to refine his grasp of the offense and his overall skill set, specifically his timing and accuracy. The quarterback’s shoulder is the only thing that worries me this season.

Veltkamp’s play suffered in light of it last year, and it is an injury that could flare up again with the wrong kind of hit. But outside of health, I think 2026 is the year where Veltkamp takes the next big step in his game. He will be vital for FAU’s overall success, and he will be the team’s MVP.