Old Dominion Monarchs

The Monarchs enter 2026 without Colton Joseph, the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year who transferred to Wisconsin. Quinn Henicle, who started the Cure Bowl win over South Florida and rushed for over 100 yards in that game, is the presumed starter. Washington State transfer Jaxon Potter provides experienced competition, but Henicle's familiarity with the system gives him the edge. The offense will rely on his dual-threat ability to replace Joseph's production.

Old Dominion's defense was dominant in 2025, holding eight opponents to 10 points or fewer and allowing just 57 points during a six-game winning streak. Key pieces return at every level, including All-Sun Belt safety Mario Easterly, the team's top tackler, and defensive lineman Chris Forbes. The secondary is bolstered by cornerback Brandon Crutchfield and safety Lucas Struck, both of whom impressed opposing coaches on film. The biggest question is at linebacker, where Mississippi State transfer Montrell Chapman steps in to fill the void left by departures.

The offensive line will feature five new starters, a significant challenge for a team that relied on a strong running game. Head coach Ricky Rahne's offenses have consistently run the ball at an above-average rate, and that trend should continue with Devin Roche, who also led the Sun Belt in punt return average last season. The receiver corps is being reshaped with junior college transfer JJ Harrell and Division II transfer Zion Agnew, following Rahne's successful track record of finding hidden gems at the position.

Nathanial Eichner took over kicking duties in November and converted 7 of 10 field goals and all 19 extra points. He will face competition from FAU transfer Andrew Nelms. Punter Ian Brandt returns after averaging just under 41 yards per punt, which was near the bottom of the Sun Belt. Devin Roche is expanding his role to include kickoff returns, adding another dimension to a special teams unit that could be a difference-maker in close games.

The defense gives Old Dominion a high floor, and Henicle's mobility could make the offense serviceable even with the losses. The schedule opens with a home game against Norfolk State, a heavy underdog, which should allow the team to build confidence. However, the combination of a rebuilt offensive line, new receivers, and a first-year starter at quarterback means the Monarchs may struggle to replicate their historic 2025 campaign. A bowl game is a realistic goal, but matching last season's success will require the new pieces to gel quickly.