Five reasons to be excited for Florida Atlantic football in 2026

Florida Atlantic University heads into 2026 with optimism despite recent results that have included 5-7, 4-8, and 3-9 records across its past five seasons. The Owls haven’t had a winning year in six years, won a conference championship since 2019, or appeared in a bowl game since 2020. FAU enters its second season under coach Zach Kittley, opening Sept. 5 at Florida in Gainesville as 26.5-point underdogs. Kittley’s 20s-season plans are built around continuity and offense: his Texas Tech track record averaged 38.5 points in 2024, and FAU improved from 27.9 points to 38.7 last year. Senior quarterback and receiver duo Caden Veltkamp and Easton Messer return.