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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Additional Resources
- ODU Football is a Pipeline to the NFL
- Google Search: Old Dominion University Football
- Eight Former Monarchs Make 53-Man NFL Rosters
- Wikipedia: National Football League
- 2025 ODU Football Transfer Portal Tracker
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football (Sport)
- Football: Chanticleers Outslug Old Dominion
- Google News: Old Dominion Football 2025
