Florida Atlantic vs. Maryland 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

It’s the Florida Atlantic Owls vs. the Maryland Terrapins in this 2025 Week 1 matchup at College Park; and while predictions favor the home team, the betting line has shrunk as the date gets closer. Yet before the Florida Atlantic Owls and Maryland Terrapins kick off their seasons in Week 1, it’s important to note where both programs are and how they differ in their respective directions.

Maryland experienced its best success during the Ralph Friedgen years. However, everything came crashing down in 2024 as the program stumbled to 4-8 under Mike Locksley.

Conversely, FAU is starting over with new head coach Zach Kittley, who comes from Texas Tech and replaces Tom Herman. FAU hopes that Kittley can recapture the same magic that it experienced under Lane Kiffin before he left for Ole Miss.

With both teams fighting for relevance in their conference, getting off the blocks right in Week 1 is essential. Here’s where both teams stack up ahead of their meeting this Saturday.

Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Maryland Terrapins: History and Excerpts

Saturday marks the first time the two teams have met. And, both teams have a vastly different history.

FAU started its football program in 2001 with inconsistent success. Meanwhile, the Terrapins’ program predates the 20th century, having begun American football in 1892.

Coincidentally, the year FAU began playing football, Maryland was ranked as high as No. 6 in the AP Poll – and they haven’t been ranked that high since. As for FAU, they have never been ranked in the AP polls in their 25-year history.

Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Maryland Terrapins 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

Entering this Week 1 matchup between Maryland vs. Florida Atlantic are various important factors, as well as predictions for what could take place in the game. We’ll cover the impact players for both teams and what the Owls need to do to leave College Park with a win.

Key Players for Maryland

It’s just days before gameday, and Maryland still has not named a starting quarterback to open the season. Justyn Martin and Malik Washington have been in a fierce quarterback competition for the top spot, and coach Locksley has been non-committal about who starts under center.

Both players are dual threats who can run if given enough green grass in front of them. Locksley believes both quarterbacks fit the offense and neither changes what the offensive philosophy is, regardless of who is under center.

True freshman Malik Washington is a highly touted in-state prospect who passed on offers from Penn State and Oregon to commit to Maryland. His maturity and leadership have stood out amongst the coaches and his teammates. New offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton has a lot of experience and has tutored some of the best quarterback minds in the sport. So with that in mind, whoever is under center should have bursts of success.

Whoever starts for Maryland will also look to hand the ball off to Nolan Ray, who is an elusive runner who can break tackles.

Jalil Farooq, the transfer receiver from Oklahoma, is a player who can make tough catches and make something happen when he gets the ball in space.

Key Players for FAU

Coming over with coach Kittley to FAU is his Air Raid offense that has been very successful at Western Kentucky and Texas Tech. To make sure his offense operates smoothly, Kittley has brought over Caden Veltkamp from the Hilltoppers to pilot his offense.

Veltkamp is a big quarterback who, while he doesn’t have a big arm, has very good touch and timing with his receivers. Easton Messer, who also transferred to FAU, should be the favorite target of Veltkamp.

Messer is a shifty slot receiver who is difficult to cover out of the slot and a reliable option on third downs.

Transfer defensive tackles Naejuan Barber and CJ Doggette are going to be counted on to step in and fortify the interior defensive line for the Owls. Barber is a big plug in the middle of the defensive line at 6-foot-3, 310 pounds. Doggette has some pass-rush potential and had three sacks last season for the Ohio Bobcats.

How the Owls Win in Week 1

FAU are big underdogs on the road against Maryland, but there’s a path to victory. The Owls win if they can contain the running game.

FAU is placing a lot of responsibility on its transfers, with eight being penciled in as new starters on defense. None are more important than Doggette and Barber. If the duo can slow down Ray and the Terrapins’ running game, it alters the game immensely in favor of FAU.

Offensively, FAU needs a huge game from their Western Kentucky transfer tandem of Veltkamp and Messer, with Kittley pulling the strings. If the Owls can do that, success, and potentially a win, can be had in College Park.