SPOOKY TIMES IN BOCA: FAU’S AIR RAID CASTS A SPELL
In Boca Raton, the ocean breeze carries the feeling of a football program still searching for its true identity. The Florida Atlantic Owls are five games into their 2026 season, and it has already been a wild ride. If you pay attention to the action on the line, you will notice some strong Space Coast talent holding things together.
The Zach Kittley Era and a Resilient Schedule When Zach Kittley became FAU’s head coach, his job was clear: build a strong team culture, bring the exciting offense he ran at Western Kentucky and Texas Tech, and raise the program’s expectations. So far, Kittley’s team has a 4-1 record, and after a tough start, they have truly found their groove.
The Owls started the season with a tough 66-21 loss to the Florida Gators in The Swamp. However, Kittley’s team bounced back, earning a 38-30 win over Navy and a hard-fought 16-10 victory against in-state rival FIU. Proving their momentum was real, they took their show on the road and dominated Louisiana-Monroe with a 45-17 win.
This past weekend on October 3rd, Kittley finally showed the full strength of his offense. The Owls dominated Texas Southern 66-10 at FAU Stadium, gaining 453 total yards and showing just how effective this system can be when everything comes together.
The Space Coast Connection
Josh Roberts For those of us on the Space Coast, the most interesting story in Boca is happening on defense. We always pay close attention to local talent, and right now, former Eau Gallie High School star Josh Roberts is making an impact. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound edge rusher from Melbourne was a top recruit in the 2025 class, and now he is playing for the Owls.
Wearing number 10, Roberts brings Brevard County toughness to the FAU defense. Adjusting to the speed and physical demands of FBS college football is never easy, but Roberts has the athleticism, strong hands, and drive that made him a standout at Eau Gallie. As he grows in this defensive system, Roberts could become a key part of FAU’s pass rush for years. Watching a Melbourne native represent the Space Coast at the Division I level is the kind of success story we enjoy sharing.
The Offensive Playmakers
Veltkamp & Valsin You cannot judge a Zach Kittley team without checking the offensive stats. While the defense has our local standout, the offense is led by a pair who dominated the Texas Southern secondary.
Quarterback Caden Veltkamp was extremely effective from the pocket this past weekend. He led the offense smoothly, throwing for 247 yards and four touchdowns, and posted a 293.43 quarterback rating. When a Kittley quarterback finds his rhythm, the points come quickly, and Veltkamp showed he has the skills to run this offense well.
Wide receiver Kelby Valsin was the main target for those passes. He showed great skill in running routes and getting open, catching seven passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns. Valsin has quickly become the top option on the outside, and his connection with Veltkamp will be key for the FAU offense during the tough parts of their conference schedule.
Looking Ahead on the Radar Now at 4-1, the real test of the 2026 season is about to start. The Owls face a big challenge on October 17, traveling to West Point to play the Army Black Knights at Michie Stadium. Facing a disciplined military academy on the road requires strong gap control and defensive discipline, so players like Josh Roberts will be important to the game plan.
If Kittley can get his offense to perform well on the road and the defense keeps building its physical style, this FAU team could make a big impact. The season started with some challenges, but now the Owls are moving forward. Watch Boca Raton closely, and especially keep an eye on number 10 from Eau Gallie.
Cody Queen is the lead columnist for the Queen Media Sports Report, bringing you the hard hitting facts, the deep dives, and the unapologetic truth about the teams you love. Queen Media Sports Report is brought to you by Backwater Royalty.
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