When I first started covering collegiate athletics over a decade ago, I never imagined I'd be writing about Florida Atlantic University's football program as a potential championship contender. But here we are in 2023, and what head coach Willie Taggart and his staff have built in Boca Raton deserves serious attention. The transformation reminds me of something I observed in volleyball recently - how certain programs manage to create winning cultures by blending established talent with emerging stars. I was particularly struck by how the Creamline volleyball team integrated players like Dij Rodriguez alongside Dzi Gervacio, creating that perfect balance of experience and fresh energy. That's exactly what I'm seeing unfold with the Owls this season.
The foundation for FAU's rise actually began taking shape last year, though many casual observers might have missed the signs. I remember attending their spring practices and noticing how different the energy felt compared to previous seasons. The team had finished 5-7 in 2022, but what the record didn't show was how many close games they lost - three by a touchdown or less. Those narrow defeats actually built character and resilience rather than breaking their spirit. I've always believed that how a team handles close losses tells you more about their future than how they handle easy wins. The coaching staff used those experiences to fuel the players' development throughout the offseason, focusing particularly on situational football and fourth-quarter conditioning.
What really excites me about this year's squad is how they've addressed their key weaknesses while maintaining their strengths. The offense returns 8 starters, including quarterback N'Kosi Perry, who threw for 3,448 yards and 27 touchdowns last season. Those numbers don't even tell the full story of his development - his completion percentage jumped from 58.3% to 64.1% between weeks 5 and 12 last year, showing remarkable in-season improvement. The receiving corps, led by LaJohntay Wester, might be the most underrated unit in the American Athletic Conference. Wester alone caught 108 passes for 1,168 yards last year, and he's looked even sharper in preseason workouts.
The defensive improvements are what could truly push FAU into championship contention. New defensive coordinator Todd Orlando has implemented a more aggressive scheme that perfectly suits the personnel. I watched their spring game closely, and the defensive line's pressure on quarterbacks was noticeably better than last season. They recorded 5 sacks in that scrimmage alone, which might not sound impressive until you consider they only averaged 1.8 sacks per game last season. The secondary, anchored by safety Teja Young, has looked particularly formidable in camp. Young's leadership reminds me of how veteran players like Jovelyn Gonzaga elevate their teams in crucial moments - it's that same combination of technical excellence and emotional intelligence that separates good players from program-changers.
Recruiting has been another area where FAU has made significant strides. The 2023 recruiting class ranked second in the AAC according to 247Sports, their highest ranking since joining the conference. More importantly, they've done an excellent job identifying and developing under-the-radar talent that fits their system perfectly. I've always been skeptical of programs that focus solely on star ratings rather than finding players who complement their existing roster. The Owls' staff seems to understand this balance intuitively, much like how successful volleyball programs blend stars like Rodriguez with complementary players like Gervacio to create cohesive units.
The schedule sets up favorably for FAU to make some noise this season. Their non-conference games include winnable contests against Ohio and Monmouth before facing tougher tests against Clemson and Illinois. The conference schedule avoids both Tulane and SMU from the West division, which could prove significant come November. I particularly like their timing - they get UAB at home after a bye week, and their toughest conference road game at UTSA comes when they should be playing their best football. Sometimes the schedule makes all the difference between a good season and a great one.
Facility upgrades have also played a crucial role in the program's development. The $78 million Schmidt Family Complex for Academic and Athletic Excellence has transformed the student-athlete experience, providing resources that rival many Power Five programs. Having visited numerous collegiate facilities across the country, I can confidently say FAU's setup now ranks among the best in the Group of Five. These investments matter more than people realize - they signal institutional commitment that resonates with recruits and helps retain coaching staff.
The culture Taggart has built might be the most impressive aspect of this turnaround. There's a genuine sense of brotherhood and shared purpose that's palpable when you spend time around the program. Players speak about "changing the narrative" and "building something special" with a conviction that feels authentic rather than rehearsed. This intangible quality often separates teams that merely have talent from teams that actually win championships. I've seen similar dynamics in other sports - that magical chemistry where the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.
As we approach the season opener, I'm more optimistic about FAU's chances than I've been about any Group of Five team in recent memory. They have the quarterback, the defensive playmakers, the schedule, and perhaps most importantly, the belief that they can compete for a conference championship. While national media continues sleeping on the Owls, those of us who've followed their journey recognize something special brewing in Boca Raton. The pieces have fallen into place in a way that reminds me of other surprise contenders across sports - teams that understood how to blend different strengths and personalities into a cohesive, dangerous unit. If everything clicks, we might be looking at the most memorable season in FAU football history.