COLLEGE PARK, MD – FAU opened its 2025 season on the road with plenty of anticipation around new head coach Zach Kittley’s fast-paced offense. Instead, the Owls ran headfirst into a Maryland team powered by a true freshman quarterback and a defense that forced mistakes all night, handing FAU a 39–7 defeat.
Bright Spots for the Owls
FAU actually struck first. Quarterback Caden Veltkamp guided an early scoring drive, giving the Owls a 7–0 lead. He finished with 228 passing yards and a touchdown, showing poise at times despite Maryland’s relentless pressure. Wideout Easton Messner proved to be his favorite target, pulling down 15 catches for 87 yards, while the running game showed flashes but never fully found rhythm.
The score doesn’t tell the full story—the Owls moved the ball between the 20s and flashed the creativity fans expect from Kittley. What hurt most were turnovers and missed chances that gave Maryland a short field too often.
Maryland’s Freshman Takes Over
On the other side, Maryland freshman QB Malik Washington lived up to the hype, throwing three touchdown passes in the second quarter alone and finishing with 258 yards. It was a coming-out party that set the tone for the night.
FAU’s defense had moments, but Maryland’s tempo and field position advantage proved too much. Six turnovers, including a pick-six and even a safety, kept the Owls on their heels.
Florida Takeaways
Even though it was a rough start, FAU fans should see this game as a measuring stick more than a verdict. The Owls tested themselves against a Big Ten squad on the road and learned where the gaps are: ball security, finishing drives, and controlling momentum after mistakes.
Coach Kittley’s offense showed it can generate movement. With tweaks, cleaner execution, and the home crowd behind them, FAU has the tools to bounce back quickly.
What’s Next
The Owls head back to Boca Raton for their home opener against Florida A&M. It’s the perfect reset button—a chance to protect home turf, sharpen execution, and put the Maryland loss in the rearview.
If Saturday was a reality check, Week 2 is the opportunity to prove growth.
THE CONVERSATION.