A brand-new season of FAU football is around the corner, and let’s preview the 2025 Owls defense.
This is a unit that’s been labeled as a weakness by several media outlets. Only one starter returns from last year’s team, and the depth chart is filled with youth, transfers, and unproven contributors. Despite the turnover and skepticism, this group has the potential to surprise. With a new DC, a disruptive mindset, and a handful of players emerging during fall camp, the defense might not be the liability some expect it to be.
The unit is now coordinated by Brett Dewherst. It’s his first stint calling plays, but Dewherst brings experience from stops at Mississippi State and Texas State as the safeties coach, and spent last season as an analyst at Coastal Carolina. His philosophy is rooted in havoc, he wants to force offenses into second and third-and-longs, and he’s not afraid to bring pressure. Head coach Zach Kittley made it clear the Owls won’t play passive “chains defense.” This defense is built to complement the offense’s up-tempo style by being aggressive, fast, and disruptive. Expect a heavy dose of defensive back-heavy packages, especially on third downs, to create confusion and force quarterback mistakes.
The strength of the defense lies right in the middle. FAU’s defensive tackle group is not only the most experienced unit, it’s also one of the most physically imposing. Bryce Langston, a former LSU Tiger and high profile Florida recruit, was named a team captain after a dominant offseason and a spot on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List.” Opposite him is fellow captain CJ Doggette, a transfer from Ohio who specializes in interior pass rushing despite being considered undersized. Illinois transfer Enyce Sledge and Coastal Carolina transfer Naejuan Barbar bring run-stopping toughness to the interior, while Earl Miller Jr. and Keimar Richardson round out the depth.
On the edge, the Owls have a group full of upside. Deshaun Bautiste, a Tulane transfer, brings power and explosion off the edge and is poised for a breakout season. He flashed his potential with a key forced fumble last year against Navy. Returning starter Wilky Denaud, a former Auburn Tiger, has transformed his body this offseason and will play a major role. Eric Brantley Jr. is expected to be the third rusher in the rotation, while sophomore Gavench Marcelin is a name to watch closely, he has breakout potential either this season or down the line. Missouri transfer Joe Moore, despite past injuries, brings Power 4 size and experience. The Luman twins, Tycoolhill and Tyclean, transferred in from Rutgers and add depth to an already intriguing position group.
At linebacker, the Owls lost four veteran contributors but brought in strong replacements. Minnesota transfer Tyler Stolsky steps in as a captain and is already making his presence felt. Known as a special teams leader in the Big Ten, Stolsky forced a fumble on Gemari Sands during the spring game and is stout against the run. He’s expected to start alongside Leon Hart Jr., a Miami native and Marshall transfer who returned to South Florida this offseason. Behind them, redshirt freshmen CharQuez Lee and Jarvis Johnson Jr. are next in line. Lee is an elite athlete with high upside, while Johnson contributed on special teams last year and continues to climb the depth chart. JUCO transfer Khmari Johnson adds depth, and freshmen Robert Lee and Hector Chavez are long term pieces worth monitoring.
The cornerback room has depth and a ton of new faces competing for starting spots, the rotation is still taking shape. One player who has stood out is Purdue transfer Derrick “Dooda” Rogers Jr., who brings Big Ten experience and even held his own against Marvin Harrison Jr. while at Purdue. On the other side, UTEP transfer Terez Reid, who also starred at DII Grand Valley State, has been a steady presence in camp and could earn the starting job. He plays significantly bigger than his size and makes plays on the ball, Dewherst had high praise for him. True freshman Zion Paret, a highly touted recruit, will see snaps this season and plays bigger than his listed 6 ‘0, 180-pound frame. Texas Southern transfer MJ Hinson and Kansas transfer Demarius McGhee add even more athleticism and experience. Returner Chris Tooley has made strides from last year and played as a true freshman, while Antonio Robinson Jr. (son of a former NFL receiver) can play both inside and outside.
At nickel, Wendol Philord is the only returning starter from 2024 and will anchor the secondary. A transfer from Keiser University last season, Philord was granted an extra year of eligibility thanks to the NCAA’s Diego Pavia ruling. He’s fast, physical, and a playmaker, he had a defensive touchdown against UTSA last season. Behind him, hometown true freshman Damon Allen has earned reps this offseason, and Antonio Robinson Jr. could also slide inside in certain packages.
The safety group will rely on youth, but there’s a ton of talent to work with. Redshirt freshman Mike Wright is expected to start at free safety after adding 10 pounds of muscle this offseason. He impressed last year with an interception against Tulsa and has continued to make plays in camp. At strong safety, a rotation is expected, but the standout so far has been dual-sport athlete Kyle Boylston. After missing last season due to injury, Boylston has returned as a ballhawk and picked off Caden Veltkamp in the spring game. Conference USA transfers Dillion Williams (UTEP) and Jayden Sweeney (Liberty) both bring experience and have been active during fall camp. Mississippi State transfer Chris Keys adds SEC-level experience and familiarity with Dewherst’s coaching style.
This defense may be young and unproven on paper, but there is real talent here. Just as importantly, an identity forming. It’s fast, aggressive, and built to create chaos. If the youth matures quickly and a few breakout candidates live up to their potential, don’t be surprised if this group outperforms expectations.
