Upcoming Event: Football versus Texas Southern on October 3, 2026 at 6 p.m.
6 p.m.
Football
vs. Texas Southern
Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Football Game Notes Week #5
9/29/2026 7:51:00 PM | Football
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic football is seeking a 4-1 start for the first time since 2020, and a 3-1 non-conference record that would mark the best in program history.
On Saturday at 6 p.m., the Owls will play host to Texas Southern on Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium.
The Owls are on a three-game winning streak and have not committed a turnover in three consecutive games for the first time in team history. Graduate QB Caden Veltkamp has maintained control of the Owl Raid offense and currently leads the nation in completions per game (28.75). His top two targets at wideout, senior Kelby Valsin and fifth-year Easton Messer, are both in the top 25 in receiving yards with the former ranked 13th (386) and the latter No. 24 (362).
Messer is making an impact on special teams too, with a 73-yard punt return touchdown that is tied for the second longest in program history and the first one by a Florida Atlantic player since NFL pro LaJohntay Wester in 2023. He was named the American's Special Teams Player of the Week, the third week in a row an Owl was recognized among conference honors.
Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Zach Kittley's ground game reached a new level in the 45-17 victory at ULM with 234 rushing yards, the most in his two years with the program. Sophomore RB Ethan Ervin led the way with 139 yards and a score.
Defensively, the Owls have gone back-to-back games holding opponents under 20 points, the program's first occurrence since '23, and have conceded just three after halftime in the past two weeks.
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 Inside Linebackers Coach Aaron Schwanz.
FOLLOW THE TEAM
Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com or through football's Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball.
On Saturday at 6 p.m., the Owls will play host to Texas Southern on Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium.
The Owls are on a three-game winning streak and have not committed a turnover in three consecutive games for the first time in team history. Graduate QB Caden Veltkamp has maintained control of the Owl Raid offense and currently leads the nation in completions per game (28.75). His top two targets at wideout, senior Kelby Valsin and fifth-year Easton Messer, are both in the top 25 in receiving yards with the former ranked 13th (386) and the latter No. 24 (362).
Messer is making an impact on special teams too, with a 73-yard punt return touchdown that is tied for the second longest in program history and the first one by a Florida Atlantic player since NFL pro LaJohntay Wester in 2023. He was named the American's Special Teams Player of the Week, the third week in a row an Owl was recognized among conference honors.
Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Zach Kittley's ground game reached a new level in the 45-17 victory at ULM with 234 rushing yards, the most in his two years with the program. Sophomore RB Ethan Ervin led the way with 139 yards and a score.
Defensively, the Owls have gone back-to-back games holding opponents under 20 points, the program's first occurrence since '23, and have conceded just three after halftime in the past two weeks.
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 Inside Linebackers Coach Aaron Schwanz.
FOLLOW THE TEAM
Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com or through football's Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball.
Players Mentioned
Wednesday, September 30
Wednesday, September 30
Sunday, September 27
Sunday, September 27