Upcoming Event: Football at North Texas on October 29, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Football
at North Texas
Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Photo by: Jessica Marshall Vernof
10/23/2026 5:02:00 PM | Football
BOCA RATON, Fla. – For the first time since 2020, a live Florida Atlantic football game will air on the main ESPN channel. The Owls' (4-2, 2-1) matchup at North Texas on Thursday, Oct. 29 has been designated for ESPN with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m ET., announced by the American Conference.
Florida Atlantic football last aired live on the main ESPN television feed in 2020, facing Memphis in the Montgomery Bowl on Dec. 23. The most recent regular season outing on the channel occurred on Sept. 21, 2018 against UCF.
The outing in Denton will mark the Owls' first Thursday night game since November of 2024 and will be a quick turnaround from Saturday's Homecoming game against Rice on Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium, airing at noon on ESPNU. Florida Atlantic will then return home to host UTSA the following Thursday, rounding out the trio of Texas-based opponents.
FAU and North Texas have squared off 15 times previously, with the Owls looking to even the all-time series record with the Mean Green to 8-8. The two teams previously on a Thursday night in 2018.
In their 26-season history, the Owls have played in 13 Thursday games. The first win against an FBS opponent occured on a Thursday, with Florida Atlantic defeating Middle Tennessee, 20-19, on Aug. 28, 2003.
The Owls remain must-see TV under second-year Head Coach Zach Kittley. The passing offense currently sits at No. 9 nationwide (307.7), marking the second consecutive year in the top 10, while the defense has doubled its interception output from the previous season, currently at six through six games. On special teams, Florida Atlantic has recorded a program-record three return touchdowns on the season, two via a kickoff and one from a punt.
Individually, graduate QB Caden Veltkamp ranks No. 2 nationally in completions per game (26.8) and No. 7 in completion percentage (72.2%). His top two targets, senior WR Kelby Valsin and fifth-year Easton Messer, are also in the national rankings in receptions per game (No. 5 and No. 8, respectively) and receiving yards per game (No. 11 and No. 16).
2026 COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Click HERE.
2026 ROSTER, COACHES AND SUPPORT STAFF
Click HERE.
FOLLOW THE OWLS
Inside the Owls' Burrow airs on The Spot, South Florida 39 (WSFL-TV), will air the show weekly on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale DMA with replays running to be determined. The Spot, South Florida 9 (WHDT-TV), will air the show on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce DMA with replays to be determined.
FOLLOW THE TEAM
Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com or through football's Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball.
#WIP
Florida Atlantic football last aired live on the main ESPN television feed in 2020, facing Memphis in the Montgomery Bowl on Dec. 23. The most recent regular season outing on the channel occurred on Sept. 21, 2018 against UCF.
The outing in Denton will mark the Owls' first Thursday night game since November of 2024 and will be a quick turnaround from Saturday's Homecoming game against Rice on Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium, airing at noon on ESPNU. Florida Atlantic will then return home to host UTSA the following Thursday, rounding out the trio of Texas-based opponents.
FAU and North Texas have squared off 15 times previously, with the Owls looking to even the all-time series record with the Mean Green to 8-8. The two teams previously on a Thursday night in 2018.
In their 26-season history, the Owls have played in 13 Thursday games. The first win against an FBS opponent occured on a Thursday, with Florida Atlantic defeating Middle Tennessee, 20-19, on Aug. 28, 2003.
The Owls remain must-see TV under second-year Head Coach Zach Kittley. The passing offense currently sits at No. 9 nationwide (307.7), marking the second consecutive year in the top 10, while the defense has doubled its interception output from the previous season, currently at six through six games. On special teams, Florida Atlantic has recorded a program-record three return touchdowns on the season, two via a kickoff and one from a punt.
Individually, graduate QB Caden Veltkamp ranks No. 2 nationally in completions per game (26.8) and No. 7 in completion percentage (72.2%). His top two targets, senior WR Kelby Valsin and fifth-year Easton Messer, are also in the national rankings in receptions per game (No. 5 and No. 8, respectively) and receiving yards per game (No. 11 and No. 16).
2026 COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Click HERE.
2026 ROSTER, COACHES AND SUPPORT STAFF
Click HERE.
FOLLOW THE OWLS
Inside the Owls' Burrow airs on The Spot, South Florida 39 (WSFL-TV), will air the show weekly on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale DMA with replays running to be determined. The Spot, South Florida 9 (WHDT-TV), will air the show on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce DMA with replays to be determined.
FOLLOW THE TEAM
Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com or through football's Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball.
#WIP
Players Mentioned
Saturday, October 24
Thursday, October 22
Thursday, October 22
Thursday, October 22