Old Dominion: A New Monarchy in College Football

[seanpatin]

Background Info/Dynasty Premise

Game: College Football 25 (Xbox Series X)
Roster: Official (as of 10/24) with minor edits



Old Dominion Football History

The Old Dominion Monarchs football program represents Old Dominion University in U.S. college football. The first iteration of the team created in 1930 was known as the William & Mary Norfolk Division Braves. Founded in 2009, the current Monarchs team competed as an FCS independent for their first two seasons. In the 2011 season, they joined the Colonial Athletic Association and added conference games to their schedule, playing there until joining the Conference USA of the FBS in 2014. They joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2022. Prior the 2024 season, with some major shifts across the collegiate landscape, Old Dominion will become an FBS Independent.



Award Winners
Freshman of the Year (C-USA): RB Ray Lawry (2014)



Bowl History
2016 Bahamas Bowl: Old Dominion 24 - Eastern Michigan 20
2021 Myrtle Beach Bowl: Old Dominion 17, Tulsa 30
2023 Famous Toastery Bowl: Old Dominion 35, Western Kentucky 38



FBS All-Americans
2022: LB Jason Henderson (Third Team)
2023: LB Jason Henderson (Second Team)



Career Records



Season Records



Game Records


DISCLAIMER: All events are purely fictional. All media used from other sites is purely for entertainment purposes and I DO NOT profit from anything you see in this thread.

[seanpatin]

The College Football Landscape Heading Into 2024

Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC):
Boston College
Cincinnati
Clemson
Duke
Florida State
Georgia Tech
Louisville
Miami (FL)
NC State
North Carolina
Pittsburgh
Syracuse
Virginia
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest
West Virginia

American Athletic Conference:
Army
Buffalo
James Madison
Liberty
Middle Tennessee
Navy
Northwestern
Rutgers
Temple
Western Kentucky
UConn
UMass

Big 12 Conference:
Arizona
Arizona State
Baylor
BYU
Colorado
Houston
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Oklahoma State
SMU
TCU
Texas Tech
Utah

Big Ten Conference:
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Maryland
Michigan
Michigan State
Minnesota
Nebraska
Ohio State
Oregon
Penn State
Purdue
UCLA
USC
Washington
Wisconsin

Conference USA:
Appalachian State
Arkansas State
Charlotte
Coastal Carolina
East Carolina
Georgia Southern
Georgia State
Jacksonville State
Kennesaw State
South Alabama
Troy
UAB

Independent:
Notre Dame
Old Dominion

Mid-American Conference (MAC):
Akron
Ball State
Bowling Green
Central Michigan
Eastern Michigan
Kent State
Marshall
Miami (OH)
Northern Illinois
Ohio
Toledo
Western Michigan

Mountain West Conference:
Air Force
Colorado State
Hawaii
New Mexico
New Mexico State
Rice
Tulsa
Utah State
UTEP
Wyoming

Pacific-12 Conference (PAC-12):
Boise State
California
Fresno State
Nevada
Oregon State
San Diego State
San Jose State
Stanford
UNLV
Washington State

Southeastern Conference (SEC):
Alabama
Arkansas
Auburn
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
LSU
Mississippi State
Missouri
Oklahoma
Ole Miss
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Texas A&M
Vanderbilt

Sun Belt Conference:
FIU
Florida Atlantic
Louisiana
Louisiana Tech
Memphis
North Texas
Sam Houston
South Florida
Southern Miss
Texas State
Tulane
UCF
UL Monroe
UT-San Antonio

[seanpatin]

Brennan Marion Named Head Coach of Old Dominion, Leads Monarchs into Independent Era



Norfolk, VA – Old Dominion University (ODU) has made a bold move by appointing Brennan Marion, the former Offensive Coordinator at UNLV, as the new Head Coach for the 2024 season. This announcement comes as the Monarchs prepare to navigate their first season as an independent program, a significant shift in the school's football history.

Marion, known for his innovative offensive strategies and dynamic coaching style which led him being a finalist for the 2023 Broyles Award, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role in an exclusive interview.

"Old Dominion has a passionate fan base that much of the FBS world is yet unfamiliar with. The chance to lead this program as it transitions to an independent status is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Marion said. "I’m excited about the challenge and the potential to build something special here."

The decision to go independent allows ODU to craft a unique identity and schedule, free from conference constraints. However, this also poses its challenges with scheduling opponents given the lack of structure. Marion is keenly aware of the challenges and opportunities this presents.

"There are definitely challenges, such as scheduling and the lack of a conference championship to compete for. However, there are also great opportunities. We have the flexibility to create a diverse and competitive schedule, and we can build a unique identity for ODU football," he noted.

Marion's immediate focus will be on establishing a strong foundation for the team. This includes player development, academic success, and community engagement. He emphasized the importance of creating a culture of excellence both on and off the field.

Recruiting will be a critical component of Marion's strategy, especially as ODU steps into its new independent status. He plans to leverage the program's newfound flexibility to attract top talent from across the country.

"Being an independent program allows us to cast a wider net and attract talent from across the country. Our schedule won't be restricted by conference geographies. We’ll be looking for players who are not only skilled but also fit our culture and are excited about the opportunity to be part of something new and dynamic," he said.

Fans can expect an aggressive, high-energy style of play under Marion's leadership. Offensively, the team will aim to be innovative and fast-paced, while defensively, they will focus on discipline and relentlessness.

As the Monarchs gear up for the 2024 season, the ODU community is buzzing with anticipation. With Marion at the helm, the program is poised for an exciting new era. His leadership and vision are expected to drive the Monarchs to new heights, making ODU football a source of pride for fans and the university alike.

Go Monarchs!