Ricky Rahne has led Old Dominion to a pair of bowl games in three seasons, although he’s yet to post a winning record with the Monarchs. Regardless of the lack of seven-win seasons, he’s raised Old Dominion’s floor.
ODU fans are hopeful that despite a brutal schedule and a few important personnel losses, the Monarchs will exceed expectations once again and qualify for a bowl game. Rahne returns his starting quarterback, Grant Wilson, and offensive coordinator Kevin Decker, and there’s reason to believe ODU’s up-tempo spread offense could give defenses fits in 2024.
The offense’s chances of success hinge largely on improved offensive line play. The Monarchs allowed 4.77 sacks per game, the worst mark in the country. Defensively, ODU ranked in the bottom 10 nationally in sacks generated.
The Monarchs need to improve in the trenches to take a step forward in the Sun Belt East. If that happens, there’s enough talent elsewhere on the roster for Old Dominion to make a bowl.
Old Dominion Football’s Sun Belt Title Odds
Old Dominion’s odds to win the Sun Belt are +3500, via BetMGM.
Old Dominion Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Old Dominion’s win total Over/Under is 4.5, with Under 4.5 at -150 and Over 4.5 at +125.
Old Dominion Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 at South Carolina
9/7 vs. East Carolina
9/14 vs. Virginia Tech
9/28 at Bowling Green
10/5 at Coastal Carolina
10/12 at Georgia State
10/19 vs. Texas State
10/26 vs. Georgia Southern
11/2 at App State
11/16 vs. James Madison
11/23 vs. Marshall
11/30 at Arkansas State
Bold indicates Sun Belt contests
Key Old Dominion Football Returners
2023 Sun Belt First Team
LB Jason Henderson
2023 Sun Belt Honorable Mention
DL Denzel Lowry
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ODU Football Has A Chance To Surprise
Wilson’s return, coupled with a decent group of wide receivers and running backs, means Old Dominion could be good offensively if the line takes a step forward. Illinois transfer Zachary Barlev should help at center, anchoring what could be an improved unit.
If the group makes some strides, it’ll allow for Wilson to find his receivers, like Iowa transfer Diante Vines. The transfer played well in the spring, and he’s expected to be a major contributor for the Monarchs.
Rutgers transfer running back Aaron Young boasts plenty of experience, running for 492 yards and six touchdowns while with the Big Ten program. He’s a serviceable Sun Belt back and should perform well with increased opportunity.
Defensively, linebacker Jason Henderson is the best tackler in the Sun Belt. He’s a game-changing player, and a likely candidate for SBC Defensive Player of the Year. North Texas transfer Patrick Smith-Young should make a major impact at safety.
Old Dominion’s roster features a few special individual talents. If the offensive and defensive lines become more productive, the path is there for ODU to become the Sun Belt’s surprise team.
2024 Old Dominion Football Season Prediction
I expect Old Dominion to be competitive in the Sun Belt in 2024, but I’m not taking the Monarchs to go Over their 4.5 win total because of the schedule and lingering questions about the offensive line.
Games with South Carolina and Virginia Tech are likely losses, and non-conference matchups with East Carolina and Bowling Green aren’t surefire wins, either. Drawing Texas State from the Sun Belt West is a challenge, as the Bobcats should contend for the league championship with JMU transfer Jordan McCloud at quarterback.
Old Dominion should field a competitive Sun Belt team in 2024 and may pull a notable upset or two, while also failing to win five games. There’s reason for optimism for Monarchs faithful, but the schedule means making a bowl game will be a major accomplishment.
