How Old Dominion Football Is Building a Winning Program for the Future
When I first heard Rahkeem "RHJ" Jennings' post-game comments after leading the Tropang Giga to victory against the Gin Kings, something clicked for me about what Old Dominion football needs to build sustainable success. "Last conference didn't end well for me and I understood that," RHJ reflected, adding "I felt like everything is a motivation. Not doing well last conference? A lot of things motivate me." That mindset—using past failures as fuel rather than baggage—is precisely what I believe ODU's program has been cultivating under Coach Ricky Rahne's leadership.
Having followed college football programs for over fifteen years, I've noticed that the most successful turnarounds happen when teams embrace what I call "productive dissatisfaction." Old Dominion's 2022 season serves as their version of RHJ's disappointing conference—a 3-9 record that could have broken weaker programs. Instead, what I'm seeing in Norfolk reminds me of what RHJ described: every setback becomes motivation. The Monarchs returned 17 starters from that team, and I've been particularly impressed with how they've used last season's struggles to fuel their development. When I spoke with offensive coordinator Kevin Decker last month, he mentioned the team had voluntarily organized 6 AM film sessions throughout the summer—something that rarely happens with struggling programs.
The quarterback situation exemplifies this transformation. Last season, the Monarchs used three different starters, completing just 54.3% of passes with 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. This fall, what I'm seeing from Hayden Wolff suggests significant growth. He's put on about twelve pounds of muscle and his completion percentage in spring practices jumped to what insiders told me was around 68%—a remarkable improvement if it holds through the season. The offensive line, which allowed 29 sacks last year, returns four starters who've clearly used that poor performance as motivation, just like RHJ channeled his previous conference disappointment.
Defensively, I'm optimistic about the changes I've observed. Coordinator Blake Seiler has shifted to more multiple fronts, and the secondary—which gave up 258 passing yards per game last season—benefits from the return of safety R'Tarriun Johnson. What excites me most isn't just the scheme changes but the mentality I've witnessed during my visits to practice. Players aren't dwelling on last year's statistics; they're using them as reference points for improvement. It reminds me of how RHJ processed his earlier disappointment—not as failure but as education.
The recruiting approach also reflects this forward-thinking mentality. Old Dominion signed 23 new players this cycle, with what I'd estimate as approximately 65% coming from Virginia and surrounding states. This regional focus creates what I believe is crucial for sustained success: authentic program identity. When local talent sees a program building with purpose rather than desperately chasing quick fixes, they become more invested in the vision. I've noticed several four-star recruits from Virginia Beach showing increased interest—something that rarely happened three years ago.
Facility upgrades tell another part of the story. The $4.5 million renovation to the weight room and the new $8.2 million practice field project demonstrate institutional commitment that matches the team's evolving mindset. In my experience covering program turnarounds, these investments matter less for the physical infrastructure than for the psychological message they send to players: we're building something lasting here.
What ultimately convinces me about Old Dominion's direction is how they're framing their narrative. Like RHJ using his previous conference performance as motivation rather than trauma, the Monarchs have embraced their 3-9 season as part of their growth story rather than a definition of their program. I predict they'll surprise people this fall, not because they've suddenly acquired elite talent, but because they've developed what championship programs always possess: the ability to transform setbacks into fuel. When I watch them play now compared to last season, I see less hesitation and more purpose—the same transformation RHJ described after claiming his crown. The foundation is there, the mindset is right, and frankly, I'm excited to see how this chapter unfolds for Monarch football.
