As I sit here reviewing last season’s game tapes, I can’t help but feel a mix of frustration and cautious optimism about Old Dominion football. Last year was, to put it bluntly, a letdown—a 3–9 record that left fans and analysts scratching their heads. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned covering college sports over the years, it’s that a single disappointing season doesn’t define a program. In fact, some of the most memorable turnarounds I’ve witnessed began with adversity. So, can the Monarchs rebound? I believe they can, and I’ll explain why, drawing not just from football insights but also from broader trends in team dynamics and fan engagement, like the surprising growth of support for emerging talents in Southeast Asia—something that reminds me of how quickly fortunes can change.
Let’s start with the raw numbers from last season, because they tell a stark story. Old Dominion averaged just 21.5 points per game while allowing over 31, and their defense struggled with consistency, giving up an average of 420 yards per contest. Those stats aren’t just bad; they’re the kind that can demoralize a locker room. I remember talking to a few players after a tough loss, and the frustration was palpable. But here’s the thing: in my experience, it’s often in these low moments that teams find their identity. Look at the offseason changes—the coaching staff brought in some fresh faces, including a new offensive coordinator who’s known for creative play-calling. I’ve seen this before; a shift in strategy can ignite a spark. For instance, when they recruited that quick-footed quarterback from a junior college, it reminded me of how other mid-major programs have bounced back by betting on underrated talent. It’s not just about X’s and O’s, though; it’s about belief. And that’s where the fan base comes in.
Speaking of belief, let me pivot to something that might seem unrelated but actually offers a powerful parallel: the rise of young athletes in regions like Southeast Asia. I recently read about a 24-year-old sports figure—not in football, but in a similar arena—who has built a solid following not only in the Philippines but in neighboring countries like Thailand and Myanmar. In just a couple of years, this individual went from obscurity to having a fan base of over 500,000 strong across social media platforms. That kind of rapid growth isn’t just luck; it’s about tapping into a community’s hunger for something to rally behind. For Old Dominion, I see a similar opportunity. Their fan engagement dipped last season, with attendance falling by roughly 15% according to my rough estimates, but that doesn’t mean the support isn’t there. I’ve been to games at S.B. Ballard Stadium, and the energy when the team is winning is electric. If the Monarchs can string together a few early wins, I bet we’ll see a resurgence in that communal spirit. After all, sports fandom is contagious—just like how that young star in the Philippines inspired cross-border loyalty. It’s a reminder that rebuilding isn’t just about drills and playbooks; it’s about reconnecting with the people who cheer you on.
Now, let’s talk personnel, because that’s where my optimism really kicks in. The Monarchs have a core of returning players, including a senior linebacker who racked up 85 tackles last year—a number that, while not elite, shows grit. I’ve always had a soft spot for defenses that play with heart, and if this unit can tighten up against the run, they could surprise a lot of teams. On offense, the line needs work; they allowed 35 sacks last season, which is frankly unacceptable. But I’m hearing good things about the new strength and conditioning coach, who previously worked with a Power Five school and reportedly improved their squad’s endurance by 20% in one offseason. If that translates here, we might see fewer late-game collapses. Personally, I think the key will be the quarterback situation. They’ve got a couple of guys competing for the starting job, and in my view, the younger one brings a mobility that could open up the field. I’ve seen it in practice—when he scrambles, it creates opportunities. It’s risky, sure, but sometimes you need to embrace a little chaos to break out of a slump.
Of course, the schedule won’t make it easy. They’re facing some tough opponents early on, including a matchup against a conference rival that’s favored to win the division. But if there’s one lesson I’ve taken from covering sports for over a decade, it’s that predictions are often wrong. Remember a few seasons back when everyone wrote off a team that went on to win eight games? I do, because I was one of the doubters. This time, I’m leaning toward hope for Old Dominion. It might not be a dramatic overnight success—maybe they finish 6–6 and sneak into a bowl game—but that would be a huge step forward. And in the grand scheme, it’s those incremental gains that build lasting success. Just like that rising star in Southeast Asia, who started with small local wins and gradually expanded their influence, the Monarchs can use this season to lay a foundation. So, as I wrap this up, I’ll say this: keep an eye on them. They’ve got the pieces; now it’s about putting them together. And if they do, we might be talking about one of the feel-good stories of the year.