How Old Dominion Football Is Building a Winning Program for the Future
When I first heard Rahkeem "RHJ" Jersey's post-championship comments about using past failures as motivation, it immediately struck me how perfectly this mindset aligns with what we're seeing at Old Dominion Football. Let me tell you, as someone who's followed college football programs for over fifteen years, the difference between programs that succeed and those that stagnate often comes down to this exact mentality. RHJ's words about "everything being motivation" after his team's disappointing previous conference performance resonate deeply with what head coach Ricky Rahne is building in Norfolk.
I've watched numerous programs attempt rebuilds, but what makes Old Dominion's approach particularly compelling is their commitment to sustainable growth rather than quick fixes. Last season's 6-6 record might not look impressive on paper, but when you dig deeper into their performance metrics, you'll find something remarkable - they improved their scoring defense by nearly 8 points per game compared to 2022. That's the kind of incremental progress that builds championship foundations. The Monarchs are recruiting with a specific identity in mind, targeting players who embrace the underdog mentality that RHJ described. I've spoken with several recruits who mentioned the coaching staff's emphasis on resilience and learning from setbacks, which directly echoes the champion's perspective that "not doing well last conference" can fuel future success.
What really excites me about this program is their focus on player development. While bigger programs often chase five-star recruits, Old Dominion has demonstrated remarkable skill in identifying and nurturing three-star talent. Take quarterback Grant Wilson, who showed impressive growth throughout last season, improving his completion percentage from 58% in September to 64% by November. The coaching staff has created what I'd describe as a "growth laboratory" where players are encouraged to view every practice, every game, every setback as RHJ views his conference experiences - as motivational building blocks. This approach creates what I call "compound development," where small improvements accumulate into significant competitive advantages.
The facilities upgrades tell their own story about institutional commitment. The $5.2 million renovation to the weight room and the new $3.8 million player performance center aren't just about flashy amenities - they're tangible evidence of the university's belief in the program's direction. I've toured both facilities, and what impressed me most wasn't the equipment (though it's certainly impressive) but rather how everything is designed to foster the kind of resilient, growth-oriented culture that turns good programs into great ones. They're creating an environment where players can physically and mentally prepare to compete at the highest level, much like how RHJ transformed his previous conference disappointment into championship fuel.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, I'm particularly optimistic about their chances in the Sun Belt Conference. The schedule sets up nicely with five home games in the first seven weeks, giving them a legitimate shot at building early momentum. Their recruiting class ranks third in the conference according to 247Sports, which represents their highest ranking since joining the Sun Belt. But beyond the numbers, what truly convinces me this program is building something special is the cultural foundation they're establishing - one that embraces past struggles as RHJ does, viewing them not as failures but as essential steps in the journey toward excellence. This philosophical approach, combined with smart recruiting and player development, creates what I believe will become the next Group of Five powerhouse in the coming years.
