Good Morning, ODU Fam. Nothing better than spending some time with the kids!

What all do we have stirring in today’s Brew? Check it out below!

🏀 Fresh Faces
🏈 California Dreamin’
🎥 Behind the Regin: JJ Harrell
​🦁 And much more!

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 Fresh Faces. There will be plenty of new faces joining the ODU women’s hoops team for the 2026-27 season.

Late last week, the Monarchs officially welcomed 13 recruits to the program.

In addition, ODU is welcoming three freshmen and 10 transfers among the incoming recruiting class.

🏀 Meet The Newcomers

🔼 California Dreamin’. ODU Football will embark on its longest regular season road trip in program history in 2027, when it plays at California on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2027, ODU Director of Athletics Dr. Wood Selig announced late last week.

At 2,960 miles, the trip to Berkely is nearly 300 miles longer for Old Dominion than its 2013 trip to Moscow, Idaho to take on Idaho. The Monarchs defeated the Vandals 59-38 for their first-ever win over an FBS program.

Last season, Cal went 7-6 and played in the Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl. The Golden Bears have played in three-straight bowl games.

🏈 More On The Future Matchup

🎥 BEHIND THE REIGN: JJ HARRELL

On this episode of Behind the Reign on Monarchs+, ODU football wide receiver JJ Harrell opens up about his journey from Saucier, Mississippi, to Norfolk, Virginia, and the lessons that have shaped him along the way.

Harrell discusses family, faith, football, and the challenges of being far from home, while sharing how his upbringing, close-knit support system, and personal growth have helped him find his purpose both on and off the field.

🏈 COUNTIN’ DOWN: 6️⃣8️⃣ DAYS TIL KICKOFF

Throughout the summer, we will be counting down the days
to the return of ODU Football this fall. The Monarchs will host
Norfolk State on September 5 at 6 p.m.

Wearing #6️⃣8️⃣ this year will a brand new face on the ODU offensive line, a transfer from Lincoln University, Martez Curry.

A native of Memphis, Tenn., Curry started 29 games up front for the Blue Tigers over the past three seasons.

The 6-3, 307-pound senior will battle for a spot at guard or tackle for the Monarchs this upcoming fall.

🦁 MONARCH TRIVIA

As mentioned, next year’s trip to Cal will be the longest-ever trip for the ODU Football game for a regular season game and most since a 2013 trip to Idaho for the Monarchs’ first-ever win over an FBS program.

Which former Monarch caught Taylor Heinicke’s first TD pass of that day?

Got a guess?

Scroll to the bottom to find the answer!

🗓️ ON THE DOCKET

* All Times are Eastern

Saturday, September 5th
🏈 Football vs. Norfolk State @ 6 pm l ESPN+

🦁 Click here to see the full ODU Athletics Calendar

📬 SHARE THE BREW

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Simply forward them this email and they can sign up to receive the brew by clicking the link below to subscribe. The Brew is sent every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and is completely free!

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: Marquel Thomas (finished with seven catches, 137 yards and two TDs)

🦁 Have a great one, y’all!