Florida Atlantic University’s football program is preparing for the 2026 season with a focus on roster continuity and key additions from the transfer portal. Head Coach Zach Kittley enters his second year leading the team, which retains 54 players from last season, including quarterback Caden Veltkamp and wide receiver Easton Messer.
The team reports one of the lowest numbers of snaps lost to the transfer portal within the American Conference, losing only 5,527 snaps between 2025 and 2026. This stability places Florida Atlantic second in the conference for fewest snaps lost among programs not including service academies.
“Continuity was key for us during the January portal window,” said Kittley. “It is the foundation of a championship program. I’m proud that so many of our student-athletes from this past season are committed to returning as we continue to attack the goals we’ve set for Florida Atlantic. We are excited about this roster and look forward to getting them on the practice field for spring ball.”
With returning players such as Veltkamp, Messer, and running back Kaden Shields-Dutton, more than half of last year’s touchdown scoring is expected to return. The quarterback group brings back over 90% of its production, while nearly half of both rushing and receiving output will be retained.
Veltkamp led all quarterbacks nationally in completions per game (28.75) last season and ranked third in passing yards per game (303.4). He also finished 22nd in completion percentage (67%) and 23rd in passing touchdowns (24). Messer caught more passes per game than any other player nationally with an average of 8.67 receptions.
On defense, returning players account for 55% of tackles, 80% of sacks, and 65% of tackles for loss from last season. Leon Hart Jr., who led with 96 tackles in 2025, returns alongside CJ Doggette Jr., who led with four sacks and seven tackles for loss.
Coach Kittley noted that strategic moves were made through both transfers and signings: “We were very strategic in addressing specific areas of need,” he said. “Our Competitive Excellence Fund allowed us to be very aggressive, in both retaining players and filling needs through the transfer portal.”
Additions include wide receivers Kelby Valsin (Texas Tech) and Tucker Holloway (Virginia Tech), along with running back Leonard Farrow from Fairmont State—who rushed for over 1,400 yards last year—and offensive lineman Ben Galloway from Georgia Tech. Defensive reinforcements feature edge rusher Jay Crable from Ohio University and Corey Clark from Mississippi State.
Fourteen freshmen joined Florida Atlantic during December’s signing period.
Spring practice begins in March ahead of April’s annual spring game. The Owls open their season on September 5 against Florida in Gainesville.
Season ticket holders and Paradise Clubs members are invited to a Signing Day Celebration on February 10 at Flagler Credit Union Stadium’s Delray Genesis Club; new ticket holders may also attend by RSVP before February 6.
