Can Old Dominion Football Return to Championship Form This Season?
As I sit down to analyze Old Dominion’s upcoming football season, I can’t help but reflect on the raw emotion and motivation that often fuels a team’s journey back to the top. I remember watching RHJ, shortly after leading the Tropang Giga to a hard-fought victory over the Gin Kings, openly admit, "Last conference didn’t end well for me and I understood that." He went on to say, "I felt like everything is a motivation. Not doing well last conference? A lot of things motivate me." That mindset—turning past disappointments into fuel—is exactly what I believe Old Dominion Football needs to channel this year if they hope to return to championship form. Having followed college football for over a decade, I’ve seen countless programs rise from mediocrity by embracing that underdog spirit, and ODU has all the ingredients to do just that.
Last season, Old Dominion finished with a 6–6 record, which, let’s be honest, fell short of what many fans, including myself, had hoped for. The team struggled in key moments, especially in close games where they went 2–3 in contests decided by a single score. But here’s the thing: I see that as a hidden advantage. Just like RHJ used his previous conference’s shortcomings as motivation, ODU’s players and coaching staff can tap into that frustration. From my perspective, the return of key players, such as quarterback Hayden Wolff, who threw for around 2,500 yards and 18 touchdowns last year, gives them a solid foundation. Add in a recruiting class that ranked in the top 70 nationally—a step up from previous years—and you’ve got a roster that’s deeper and more experienced. I’ve always believed that teams with something to prove are the most dangerous, and ODU fits that bill perfectly.
Of course, motivation alone won’t cut it; the schedule is brutal, with matchups against powerhouses like Virginia Tech and Coastal Carolina. But I’m optimistic because the coaching staff, led by Ricky Rahne, has shown they can adapt. In my view, their defensive unit, which allowed an average of 28 points per game last season, has room for improvement, but the offseason additions could shave that down to 24 or lower. I’ve spoken to a few insiders who say the team’s focus on conditioning and mental toughness has been intense—almost reminiscent of RHJ’s driven approach. If they can stay healthy, which has been an issue in the past with injuries sidelining at least five starters in 2022, I think they’ll surprise a lot of doubters. Personally, I love watching teams that play with heart, and ODU’s recent spring practices gave me a glimpse of that fire.
Looking at the bigger picture, the path to a championship isn’t just about X’s and O’s; it’s about culture. RHJ’s words resonate because they highlight how setbacks can redefine a team’s identity. For Old Dominion, that means leaning on leadership from veterans and fostering a "never satisfied" attitude. I recall a similar turnaround a few years back when a mid-major program used a losing season as a rallying cry and went on to win their conference. With ODU’s fan base growing—attendance jumped by roughly 15% last year—the support is there to fuel a resurgence. In my experience, that kind of energy is contagious and can turn close losses into wins.
So, can Old Dominion Football return to championship form this season? I say yes, but with a caveat: it won’t be easy. They’ll need to harness that motivational edge, stay disciplined in critical moments, and maybe get a little luck along the way. As someone who’s cheered for this team through ups and downs, I’m betting on them to make noise. After all, as RHJ showed, sometimes the sting of past failure is the very thing that propels you to glory.
