C+
Elite returning pass game + staff continuity vs last-in-FBS TO margin and a still-suspect defense
American · 2026
Florida Atlantic
2025 record 4–8 3–5 conference
Postseason No bowl
Head coach Zach Kittley Year 2
Scheme Air Raid / Multiple
C+
Portal #8; retention build (kept QB/WR1) with targeted D portal
C+
Offense two-deep healthier than most AAC peers; defense depth is the swing variable
Market odds
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Recruiting ranks
Overall #10 44 commits · 168.42 pts
Portal #8 30 commits· avg 84.1
Roster notes
Rarest AAC continuity profile on offense — QB/WR1 and entire staff return
Caden Veltkamp + Easton Messer return. Veltkamp sat spring after shoulder surgery — expected ready for fall
Kaden Shields-Dutton leads returners after Gemari Sands left
Leon Hart Jr. and CJ Doggette Jr. are the returning anchors. Adds: Kenyon Garner (Livingstone), Jonathan Bax, Jay Crable, Joseph Sipp Jr. Tyler Stolsky (86 tackles) portal → West Virginia
Key offense
- 01 Caden Veltkamp QB
- WKU → FAU
- 2025 (incl. bowl): 345/515 (67.0%), 3,641 yds, 24 TD, 17 INT
- 81 carries, 45 yds, 4 rushing TD rush. Shoulder surgery spring 2026
- expected ready for fall
- 02 Easton Messer WR
- WKU → FAU
- 2025 (incl. bowl): 104 receptions, 1,052 yds, 6 TD (led FBS in receptions per game)
- Phil Steele / Athlon 2026 preseason 1st-team All-AAC
- 03 Kaden Shields-Dutton RB
- 2025 (regular season): 84 carries, 460 yds, 5.5 YPC, 6 rushing TD — top returning rusher
Key defense
- 01 Leon Hart Jr. LB
- 2025 (incl. bowl): 92 tackles, 1.0 sack in 11 G
- team leading tackler
- preseason All-AAC
- 02 CJ Doggette Jr. DT
- 2025 (incl. bowl): 28 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 7.0 TFL
- preseason All-AAC
- 03 Kenyon Garner EDGE
- Livingstone (D2) → FAU
- 2025 (regular season): ~14–15 sacks / ~27–28 TFL
- CIAA Defensive Player of the Year