FAU is on a 5 year bowl drought, with their last appearance being in the Birmingham bowl in
2020, and their last win being in the Boca bowl in 2019.

In this article, I will list the 5 FAU football players I think are due for a breakout season…

Honorable mention: Benjamin Galloway

Galloway, the transfer from Georgia Tech, is set to be the starter at right tackle for FAU this
year. The redshirt junior from Powder Springs, Georgia transferred to FAU after spending the
last three seasons in a backup/reserve role on one of the better offensive lines in America, that
just saw a first round pick in this past NFL draft. Galloway has the size to be a star in the
American conference and in the limited sample size he did play at Georgia Tech, he was a
steady player.

Others in consideration: Brooks Johnson, Aqil Meredith-Smith, AJ Johnson

Braden Cunningham – Center

The first breakout candidate on this list is Braden Cunningham, this should not be a surprise to
anyone who has followed FAU’s offseason to this point. Cunningham, the redshirt sophomore,
has patiently waited for his turn in this Owls lineup to this point these last two seasons.
Cunningham stands at 6 ‘6 315lbs, and has received high praise from coaches and former
teammates, it was only a matter of time before he got his chance.
To show how much the coaching staff is a fan of Cunningham, they are moving former center
Vince Fiacable (who was very good at center) to right guard. It should be an exciting year up
front for the Owls with 2 starters returning and 3 spots with high upside potential.

Branden Hoch – Wide Receiver

Branden Hoch making this list is a no brainer, the true sophomore who saw time in the lineup as
a true freshman is due for more targets. Hoch can play inside and outside for FAU, he was used
primarily outside his true freshman year and was a willing blocker on early run downs.
With a full offseason (Hoch didn’t arrive on campus until the summer last year), Hoch should
see a big jump in his game as a wide receiver. He finished with 177 receiving yards last year, I
think it would be a safe bet to see that number tripled in 2026.

Kelby Valsin – Wide Receiver

Kelby Valsin is a transfer from Texas Tech who quickly made himself known this offseason at
FAU. It seemed he was on a new highlight video catching a 50/50 ball for a touchdown every
week this spring, he also caught a TD in the spring game. The redshirt junior from Arlington,
Texas stands at 6’2, so he will be a seamless fit on the outside for the Owls this season.

Note: An underrated part of Valsin’s addition should he be as good as advertised is it could
move Dom Henry inside to the slot. Henry played outside last season out of necessity, despite
standing at 5’10/5’11. Don’t be surprised if we see Messer and Henry on the inside this season
winning off the line of scrimmage with some free releases.

Justin Weatherall – Safety

Our first true freshman on the list! Yes, true freshman Justin Weatherall has the goods to see
playing time for FAU this year. Weatherall is a former baseball player, as well as football, who
chose FAU over Tulane, UNLV, Oregon State, and Toledo. Weatherall had an interception in
the Owls 2026 spring game, and safety is a position where everyone is fighting for playing time.
“Justin is a physical, twitchy safety who shows great instincts on the field. An all-around athlete
who has a bright future ahead of him.” – FAU head football coach Zach Kittley on Weatherall

Leonard Farrow – Running Back

Leonard Farrow is the last member on this list, he would be listed even higher if he didn’t show
all of D2 how good of a back he is. The redshirt senior stands at 5 ’10 195lbs, and had nearly
1,500 rushing yards and 8.1ypc at Division 2 Fairmont State. He showed Owl nation his blazing
speed with a 40+ yard rush at the spring game this year. Farrow should be a nice compliment to
returning starter Kaden Shields-Dutton, a known bruiser in the American conference.

Overall, there are so many others that could have made this list. Tight ends AJ Johnson and
Brooks Johnson (not related), were in consideration, as well as potential starting left guard Akil
Meredith-Smith.

Cover Photo Credits: Christian Proscia, NewEraPrep