The scent of fresh turf and the echo of whistles filled the air at Old Dominion's practice facility as the Monarchs opened fall camp for the 2026 season. Coaches emphasized fundamentals while players fought for starting positions, all with a single goal in mind: to make a strong debut against Norfolk State on September 5.
Reigniting a recent rivalry
The upcoming opener carries extra weight because it marks the first meeting with Norfolk State since the 2019 season, a game that ended with a 24‑21 victory for the Monarchs at Kornblau Field. That win sparked a surge of optimism that has carried through the offseason, and the memory of that comeback continues to fuel the team's preparation.
The 2025 campaign proved that optimism was well founded. Old Dominion closed the year with a 10‑3 record, highlighted by a six‑game winning streak that culminated in a 24‑10 triumph over South Florida in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl. The performance not only secured a spot in the postseason but also demonstrated the team's ability to execute under pressure.
Conference outlook and preseason honors
Both media outlets and league coaches projected the Monarchs to finish second in the Sun Belt Conference for the upcoming season. The prediction reflects respect for the program's recent resurgence while acknowledging the competitive depth of the league. Adding to the buzz, four players earned spots on the preseason All‑Conference Team.
Devin Roche, Chris Forbes, Mario Easterly and Zion Frink were recognized for their contributions on both sides of the ball. Their selections underscore the blend of experience and emerging talent that will anchor the squad. Each brings a distinct skill set — Roche’s pass‑rushing prowess, Forbes’s reliable hands at receiver, Easterly’s versatility in the secondary, and Frink’s dynamic playmaking ability.
Looking ahead to the opener
As the Monarchs fine‑tune their schemes and battle for roster spots, the excitement surrounding the September 5 matchup continues to grow. The team’s recent history, combined with a promising preseason outlook, sets the stage for a compelling start to the 2026 campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Old Dominion can translate its offseason momentum into a strong opening performance.