Upcoming Event: Football at Army on October 17, 2026 at 12 p.m.
12 p.m.
Football
at Army
Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Messer Named American Special Teams Player of the Week
9/28/2026 9:53:00 AM | Football
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic football team continues to be receive weekly conference honors, with fifth-year WR Easton Messer selected as the American's Special Teams Player of the Week, announced by the league on Monday.
Messer earned the weekly honor after recording a 73-yard punt return touchdown in the Owls' 45-17 win at ULM, a highlight reel moment that was ranked No. 3 in SportsCenter's daily Top 10 plays. He ties the second longest punt return in program history, shared with Lucky Whitehead who later had a three-year NFL career. He is the first player in the American Conference to return one for a touchdown since 2024, while becoming the first Owl to run a punt back since LaJohntay Wester, currently with the Baltimore Ravens, in 2023.
This marks the third consecutive week in which an individual Owl has been recognized by the conference. Graduate QB Caden Veltkamp earned American Offensive Player of the Week following Week 2 and senior DB Chris Tooley III was named an honorable mention after Week 3.
A Paul Hornung Award watch list member in both years as an Owl, Messer is the only player in program history to have recorded all of a passing, rushing, receiving, and return touchdown. He is currently the FBS leader among active players in receptions (229) and is No. 2 in all-purpose yards (3,769) and receiving yards (2,725).
On a three-game winning streak for the first time since 2020, Florida Atlantic football returns home to face Texas Southern in its non-conference finale. Kickoff for Saturday, which is the Owls' Family Weekend/Health Care Appreciation/Pink Game, is at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
SC PLAY
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.
Coaches Radio Show presented by Duffy's Sports Grill on St. Andrew's Boulevard in Boca Raton. Fans can join in person or listen live on FOX Sports South Florida from 6 to 7 p.m. This week's guests include Hagerty Family Head Coach Zach Kittley and Linebackers Coach Aaron Schwanz.
FOLLOW THE TEAM
Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com or through football's Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball.
Messer earned the weekly honor after recording a 73-yard punt return touchdown in the Owls' 45-17 win at ULM, a highlight reel moment that was ranked No. 3 in SportsCenter's daily Top 10 plays. He ties the second longest punt return in program history, shared with Lucky Whitehead who later had a three-year NFL career. He is the first player in the American Conference to return one for a touchdown since 2024, while becoming the first Owl to run a punt back since LaJohntay Wester, currently with the Baltimore Ravens, in 2023.
This marks the third consecutive week in which an individual Owl has been recognized by the conference. Graduate QB Caden Veltkamp earned American Offensive Player of the Week following Week 2 and senior DB Chris Tooley III was named an honorable mention after Week 3.
A Paul Hornung Award watch list member in both years as an Owl, Messer is the only player in program history to have recorded all of a passing, rushing, receiving, and return touchdown. He is currently the FBS leader among active players in receptions (229) and is No. 2 in all-purpose yards (3,769) and receiving yards (2,725).
On a three-game winning streak for the first time since 2020, Florida Atlantic football returns home to face Texas Southern in its non-conference finale. Kickoff for Saturday, which is the Owls' Family Weekend/Health Care Appreciation/Pink Game, is at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
SC PLAY
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.
Coaches Radio Show presented by Duffy's Sports Grill on St. Andrew's Boulevard in Boca Raton. Fans can join in person or listen live on FOX Sports South Florida from 6 to 7 p.m. This week's guests include Hagerty Family Head Coach Zach Kittley and Linebackers Coach Aaron Schwanz.
FOLLOW THE TEAM
Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com or through football's Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball.
Players Mentioned
Saturday, October 03
Friday, October 02
Wednesday, September 30
Wednesday, September 30