Monarchs Gear Up for 2026
Old Dominion’s football program gathered in New Orleans for the Sun Belt Conference Media Day, where head coach Ricky Rahne joined senior running back Devin Roche and safety Mario Easterly to talk about the upcoming 2026 campaign.
The Monarchs are set to field 54 new additions next season, a blend of 15 junior‑college transfers, 14 portal acquisitions and 25 fresh high‑school signees, all aimed at reinforcing a unit that finished 2025 at 10‑3.
After a six‑game winning streak that culminated in a 24‑10 victory over South Florida in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl, the team is looking to build on that momentum, with Roche noting that the coach’s process‑oriented approach has been key to his own development.
Easterly, now in his fifth year with the program, led the defense with 80 tackles last season and emphasized daily improvement, while also noting the team’s focus on hard work as they prepare to open the season at home against Norfolk State on August 5.
Media and league coaches predict a second‑place finish for ODU in the Sun Belt, but the coaching staff remains confident that the blend of experience and new talent will keep the Monarchs competitive.