The Owls returned to the field in early September, kicking off a comprehensive preparation that blends on‑field drills with off‑field discipline. Practices are organized into distinct segments — individual work, position‑specific sessions, special‑teams repetitions, and full‑team scrimmages — each punctuated by hydration and nutrition breaks to keep players fueled and focused.
Coach Zach Kittley has made it clear that effort must be constant, extending beyond the locker room to include rest, recovery, and proper fueling. "We demand consistent effort 24/7," he said, underscoring a culture where nutrition, hydration, and sleep are treated as integral components of performance.
Leadership Takes Shape
Graduate captain Leon Hart Jr. reflected on his final collegiate campaign, noting how spring football gave him a front‑row view of the offense’s motion and tendencies. "I’ve learned a lot watching the team operate," Hart said, adding that he feels a responsibility to meet the expectations set by the coaching staff and to guide younger teammates through example rather than rhetoric.
Vincent Fiacable, another graduate leader, praised the continuity of the offense from spring ball to fall camp, especially the return of tight end J'Kavion Nonar. He highlighted the growth of the tight‑end room, pointing to contributors such as AJ Johnson and Brooks Johnson who are expanding the playbook and adding new dimensions to the attack.
On the defensive side, fifth‑year linebacker Joseph Sipp Jr. spoke enthusiastically about the unit’s progress, describing the camaraderie as "amazing" and emphasizing that unity and brotherhood are driving the group’s development. "We’re building something special together," Sipp said, projecting confidence in a season that could see the defense take a decisive step forward.
The collective message from players and coaches alike is one of disciplined preparation and shared purpose. By weaving together rigorous practice structures, nutritional discipline, and strong leadership, the Owls aim to translate their off‑field commitment into on‑field success as they chase a promising 2026 campaign.