Florida Atlantic University’s football team continued its spring preparations on March 21, as Head Coach Zach Kittley praised the team’s effort and execution during Saturday morning’s practice. Kittley highlighted the importance of continuity within the program, noting that Florida Atlantic is the only Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program in the country to return both its full-time staff and starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
This level of familiarity has contributed to the team’s progress with play installations and overall development. The practice also saw a visit from Howard Guggenheim, recognized as the program’s first Founder and an important figure in establishing football at Florida Atlantic. He was joined by numerous high school prospects and their families observing the session.
Wide Receivers Coach DJ McCarthy discussed how returning players are setting examples for newcomers. “It’s always important to have that comradery, having people coming back to [not only] keep the offense going, but as you bring new guys in, somebody setting the example of what it’s supposed to be for the new guys. We have some talented guys returning, you’re talking about Dom (Henry). (Easton) Messer, you have the leading receiver in the nation as far as catches coming back, he went from 52 to 104. I have had guys catch balls like that before, but usually when they have that type of productivity, they’re going to the NFL. It’s truly a blessing to have Messer back, to have Dom back after 40 catches. To see the development of Dom from last spring to where he was during the fall and where he is now, he’s a vet out there. Messer’s doing a great job of leading by example. We’re excited,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy also commented on how new receivers will supplement those returning: “Cris (Carter) and I talk about it all the time. We want to try to set that room up like a basketball team…You lose your outside right guy, you replace him with [Kelby Valsin] who is a veteran in the system coming from Texas Tech who is a little bigger and he has been in this system for three years…We’re really excited about the new pieces that we have coming in and then to match them with the guys we already have.” Sophomore wide receiver Branden Hoch described his excitement at practicing in pads: “The difference of the energy, as soon as we hit the grass, we knew we had to play fast right away, be ready to go, because Coach Kittley is not playing around.” Hoch added that he is focusing on nutrition and daily training routines: “I’m working a lot on my nutrition, my training, my recovery. I get a bunch of jug catches every day, just getting better every day.” He said his goal is simple: “Just doing my job, really. Opportunity is going to come and I’m going to be ready for it.”
Looking ahead, Florida Atlantic will host its annual Ladies Night event on April 23 at Schmidt Family Complex next to Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton. The event includes shopping opportunities, dinner and drinks, on-field drills with coaches and players’ families present.
Season tickets for Florida Atlantic football are now available starting at $75 plus processing fees through FAUSports.com/tickets or by contacting ticket representatives directly.
