Florida Atlantic University Football: A Complete Guide to the Owls' 2023 Season

As I sit down to analyze Florida Atlantic University's upcoming 2023 football season, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and curiosity that comes every August. Having followed college football for over fifteen years, I've learned to recognize when a program stands at the crossroads between mediocrity and something special - and frankly, I believe the Owls are approaching exactly that kind of pivotal moment. This isn't just another season for FAU; it's potentially the beginning of a new era, especially with the program's recent transition to the American Athletic Conference, a move that I think positions them for greater national visibility than they've ever enjoyed before.

When I look at this roster, what strikes me most is the coaching staff's clear commitment to building through recruitment. I recently came across comments from Navarro that perfectly capture their approach: "I believe in his talent and potential. Kaya nga we have been luring him to our team, kaya todo ang panliligaw namin sa kanya because we know he can make a difference for this team—aside from the much needed crowd and social media draw." This philosophy isn't just about filling positions—it's about pursuing difference-makers who can transform both the on-field product and the program's cultural footprint. I've watched how programs like Cincinnati and UCF built themselves into national contenders, and it always started with identifying and aggressively pursuing exactly these kinds of program-changing talents.

The quarterback position deserves particular attention this year. Last season's offense showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency, averaging 28.7 points per game while throwing 14 interceptions. From what I've seen in spring practices, the competition between returning starter N'Kosi Perry and transfer Michael Johnson Jr. appears genuinely open, which isn't always the case in college football. Perry brings experience with 2,771 passing yards last season, but Johnson offers dynamic athleticism that could open up the offense in new ways. Personally, I'd lean toward sticking with Perry early in the season—there's something to be said for continuity in a quarterback—but I wouldn't be surprised if we see both players getting meaningful snaps during non-conference play.

What really excites me about this team is their defensive front seven. Larry McCammon returns after rushing for 1,004 yards last season, and I've heard from people within the program that he's added significant muscle without losing his trademark explosiveness. The offensive line returns three starters, which should provide the stability that was sometimes lacking last season when they allowed 29 sacks. Defensively, the secondary needs to improve after giving up 258 passing yards per game in 2022, but the addition of several transfers from Power Five programs suggests this unit could be much improved.

The schedule presents both challenges and opportunities. The opener at Ohio on September 2nd will tell us a lot about this team's character—playing on the road against a solid MAC program is exactly the kind of early test that can define a season. Then comes the home opener against Monmouth on September 9th, which should provide an opportunity to build confidence before the monumental September 16th matchup against Clemson. Look, I'm realistic—FAU isn't likely to beat Clemson—but how they compete in that game will reveal their ceiling for the rest of the season. The conference schedule brings intriguing matchups against established AAC programs like Memphis, SMU, and Tulane, and I'm particularly curious to see how they handle the November 4th game against UTSA, a program that has recently built itself into exactly the kind of consistent winner FAU aspires to become.

From a broader perspective, what interests me most about FAU's position is their potential to capture the South Florida market. With Miami inconsistent and Florida State still rebuilding, there's a genuine opportunity for the Owls to become the football program of choice for a significant portion of the region's casual fans. The "social media draw" that Navarro mentioned isn't just marketing speak—it's a strategic recognition that modern college football success requires both on-field performance and cultural relevance. I've watched how Deion Sanders transformed Colorado's national profile overnight, and while FAU isn't pursuing that exact model, they clearly understand that today's recruits care about visibility and brand building as much as tradition and facilities.

As the season approaches, my prediction is that FAU finishes 8-4 overall with a 5-3 conference record, which would position them for a respectable bowl game and continue the program's upward trajectory. More importantly, I believe we'll see signs that the program is developing the kind of identity that sustains success beyond any single season or player. The true test won't be whether they can pull off an upset against Clemson, but whether they can consistently beat the teams they're supposed to beat while stealing a couple of games against equal or superior opponents. Having watched countless programs navigate this exact transition, I'm optimistic about FAU's direction. The pieces are there—now it's about execution, development, and perhaps most importantly, believing they belong on the bigger stage the AAC provides.