May 6, 2025

Old Dominion University Football Gains NFL Attention

News Summary

Old Dominion University (ODU) football has emerged as a significant player development program since its establishment in 2009. The Monarchs recently showcased their talent by tying with Louisiana for the second-most players on NFL rosters in the Sun Belt Conference. Notable alumni like Taylor Heinicke and Zach Pascal have contributed to this growing reputation. As ODU faces challenges from the transfer portal and NIL contracts, the upcoming seasons are poised to highlight its players further through competitive matchups and an influx of new recruits.

Norfolk, Virginia: Old Dominion University Football Gains NFL Attention

Old Dominion University (ODU) football has quickly become a notable contributor to the National Football League (NFL) since its establishment in 2009, positioning itself as a significant player development program. Under the leadership of head coaches Bobby Wilder and Ricky Rahne, ODU has risen to prominence, producing a considerable number of professional athletes.

During the last football season, ODU demonstrated its talent pipeline, tying for second in the Sun Belt Conference for the most players on NFL rosters with ten athletes, alongside Louisiana. This performance closely followed Appalachian State, which topped the conference with 13 players actively in the NFL.

In the state of Virginia, ODU ranks third for NFL player production, trailing only behind the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. Impressively, ODU produced as many NFL players as James Madison University and Liberty University combined, highlighting its growing influence in player development.

Among ODU alumni who have made significant marks in the NFL are Taylor Heinicke, the backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, who previously held various passing records at ODU; Rick Lovato, a long snapper for the Philadelphia Eagles and recipient of two Super Bowl championships; and Zach Pascal, who has accumulated 167 receptions for 2,057 yards over his seven NFL seasons. Also notable are Zack Kuntz, a tight end who flourished at ODU after transferring from Penn State, and recent draftee Tre Hawkins III, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Other former players include Oshane Ximines, Stone Smartt, Nick Saldiveri, Blake Watson, and Keion White, all of whom have influenced ODU’s growing reputation in professional football.

The current landscape of college football, influenced by the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contracts, presents challenges for ODU as some players consider transferring to pursue other opportunities, which may not necessarily increase their chances of reaching the NFL. Despite these factors, ODU’s defensive coordinator Blake Seiler highlights that successful performance within the program, particularly in the competitive Sun Belt Conference, can lead to enhanced visibility and opportunities in the NFL.

ODU’s schedule for upcoming seasons is designed to showcase its players, featuring games against prominent teams like Virginia Tech and Indiana in 2025 that can attract attention from NFL scouts. As part of the preparations, ODU has begun selling season tickets for the approaching football season, signaling anticipation and enthusiasm from fans.

Recruitment efforts have garnered optimism as ODU heads into spring practice with a notably high number of incoming freshmen and significant contributions from the transfer portal. The current quarterback lineup, regarded as the strongest since Coach Rahne’s arrival, includes Colton Joseph and Quinn Henicle, both of whom displayed their athleticism and capability during the previous season.

ODU’s offensive unit showed remarkable promise last season, featuring a top 15 rushing attack and a high red zone scoring percentage. Shifted focus toward enhancing both offense and defense will be crucial as the Monarchs prepare for an invigorating season ahead.

Spring practices are set to commence on March 20, 2025, culminating in a spring game at S.B. Ballard Stadium on April 19, providing another opportunity for fans and scouts alike to evaluate the talent within the program.

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Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER

WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.

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