FAU University Press

After struggling last season, The Florida Atlantic Owls (2-1, 1-0 in AC) have started the 2026 season strongly, led by head coach Zach Kittley and quarterback Caden Veltkamp. However, the offensive scheme hasn’t changed from last season to this season.

The air-raid offense, popularized by Mike Leach, who was the winningest coach in Texas Tech history, is the core FAU’s offensive scheme. While there are other teams that might run the same scheme, FAU has their spin in the offense, which is called the “Owl Raid.”

Kittley’s spin on the traditional air-raid concept has led FAU to setting single-season records last season with 385 passing completions, 582 passing attempts, 66.2% passing completion percentage. What makes the “Owl Raid” different compared to Leach’s traditional air-raid offense? The University Press asked football experts to take a deep dive into the revolutionized offensive scheme.

✏️: Anthony Ortiz
📸: Cadence Whitehouse

For commuter students at Florida Atlantic University, finding a quiet space on campus can be challenging. Crowded and noisy spaces can be the only option for many commuter students looking for a place to study and unwind. The Diamond Palm room in the Student Union on the Boca Raton campus offers a quiet alternative for these students to relax, study, and spend time before their next class.

While students enjoy the room’s amenities, including comfortable pods, quiet lounge nooks, and a large 75-inch TV, some say the space is not advertised enough, leaving many commuter students unaware of its presence on campus.

According to the Division of Student Affairs 2024-2025 annual report, the Student Union sees an average of 1,400 daily visitors. With roughly 80% of students commuting to campus, the Student Union is often used as a space to spend time between classes. However, FAU does not report how many use the Diamond Palm Room specifically. Some students say they simply discovered the room on their own, stumbling upon its glowing neon sign while walking through the Student Union.

To learn more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.

✍️: Manuela Correa
📸: Cadence Whitehouse

Re Ann Gruver and Evelyn Piazza both lost their sons to fraternity hazing. On Thursday, they stood before Florida Atlantic University students and challenged them to prevent another family from experiencing the same loss.

Nearly every seat was filled in the Carole Barry Kaye Auditorium by members of Greek life, Student Athletics, and leaders of Registered Student Organizations as part of FAU’s annual Anti-Hazing Summit, aimed at fighting against hazing on and off campus. Last year, nationally recognized speaker and hazing prevention advocate David Stollman delivered an address to the participants.

FAU President Adam Hasner, who authored one of the nation’s toughest laws on hazing during his time in the Florida House of Representatives, the Chad Meredith Act, opened the ceremony. This legislation passed in 2005 and officially made hazing at high schools and universities a crime even if the victim is a willing participant.

To learn more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.

✍️: ☆Isaiah☆
📸: Mariam Bearman

From selling random items to doing odd-man jobs, junior defensive lineman Gabriel Birnbaum was doing anything he could to make extra money on the side. One day, Birnbaum was cleaning his uncle’s house, and a box of comics changed his sporadic selling into a lucrative business.

Now, Birnbaum is the proud owner of South Florida Collectables, where he mainly sells comic books. Birnbaum also has another job, helping establish the pass rush as a defensive lineman for the Florida Atlantic University football team.

Birnbaum said that he arrived at FAU as a freshman in 2024 and “didn’t realize you don’t start immediately as a freshman.” So, he decided to find something else to do outside of football.

✏️: Morgan Larkins

This Tuesday, the Florida Atlantic men’s golf team won at home, taking the Florida Atlantic Invitational title at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter.

The team win came down to the final putt, as the Owls finished 23-under par, one stroke ahead of the University of North Florida, which finished runner-up in the 11-team field.

“The guys battled to the end,” said Head Coach Adrien Mörk. The victory marks Mörk’s fifth team title in his fourth year as head coach.

✏️: Ella Haas

Florida Atlantic football 2-1, 1-0 AC goes back on the road this week after back-to-back home victories against Navy and FIU.

The Owls have a crucial opportunity to go to 3-1 for the first time since 2020 against the University of Louisiana Monroe Warhawks (0-3).

The Owls are 2-7 against the Warhawks all time, and haven’t beaten them in nearly 20 years, since 2008. Will the Owls get back on the right side of history against ULM? Our staff thinks so.

✏️: Anthony Ortiz & Luke Basile
📸: Brody Burrows

A look at last week’s stories! Go to upressonline.com to read them if you haven’t already!

Graphic Designer: jas! ♱

At an institution surrounded by nightlife, beaches, old money, and just an hour away from Miami, a home to more than 6,000 top Instagram influencers with the highest per capita among U.S. metro areas studied, building an online following has become part of the college experience for some students at Florida Atlantic University.

From the university’s location to campus culture to the dorms, these influencers say several factors make FAU an attractive place to build a following while earning a degree.

To learn more, visit upressonline.com or click the link in our bio.

✍️: Nick Sullivan and Samuel Harrison

Jomar Bernard, a 6’7 forward from The Villages, Florida, and, according to Rivals, the No. 87 recruit in the 2027 class, has committed to Florida Atlantic University Men’s basketballs

Bernard initially announced his commitment to Rivals, then posted his commitment on Instagram Tuesday morning. Scouts have praised Bernard for his ability to see the floor and function as a ball handler and shot creator. They’ve also praised his ability to play with confidence and guard multiple positions defensively.

He had offers from many schools, including Florida State, the University of Georgia, the University of Jacksonville, and South Florida, but ultimately chose the FAU Owls.

✏️: m 📔

The Florida Atlantic Men’s Basketball team released its non-conference schedule Thursday afternoon. The season opener is less than 50 days away, as FAU opens at home against Long Island University.

The Owls posted a 9-6 non-conference record last season; their strength was in their non-conference games compared to their 9-9 conference record.

Here’s a breakdown of the Owls’ upcoming non-conference games, with fun facts and information about each opponent.

✏️: m 📔
📸: Madison Norton