The Monarchists

Old Dominion is 8-2, but after a difficult night at Georgia Southern, Tennant McVea says this group has reached an important point in the season.The target is on their back.Aaron sits down one-on-one with Tennant to break down what went wrong in Statesboro, why ODU didn't look like itself, and how the Monarchs avoid letting two conference losses erase everything they built through the first 10 matches.The conversation goes beyond one result. Tennant explains why success can create entitlement, how discipline away from the field eventually shows up on it, and why character becomes even more important when things stop going your way.Also on the show:● Why Georgia Southern was able to disrupt ODU● Handling momentum swings, VAR and adversity● Why performance still matters more than chasing points● The growing connection between ODU Soccer and its alumni● Tennant McVea's Word of the Day: “Scundered”● Why Kentucky's record is extremely misleading● How grass, turf and even pitch dimensions change a match● An early look at West Virginia's return to NorfolkODU has already shown what it can do when everything is rolling.Now we find out how it responds.

Old Dominion is 1-3.After a 46-20 loss to JMU — the Monarchs' fifth straight loss to the Dukes — the question isn't about preseason expectations anymore.It's simple:**Now what?**Jonathan Plisco and Jarod Brown join Aaron and Mike to break down a frustrating night against JMU and, more importantly, where ODU goes from here.There was at least one major reason for optimism. Freshman quarterback Ryan Huff threw for 261 yards in his first career start and looked extremely comfortable when given a clean pocket. TJ Johnson topped 100 receiving yards, Leon Haughton made another big play in the passing game, and Nathaniel Eichner continues to look like a serious weapon.But the problems are getting harder to ignore.Nine sacks. Thirteen penalties. Continued struggles running the football. Missed assignments. Turnovers. And another game where self-inflicted mistakes made an already difficult matchup even harder.We get into:• What Ryan Huff showed in his first start• Whether ODU needs to lean much harder into the passing game• How the Monarchs clean up the penalties, protection issues and execution problems• Why leadership inside the locker room becomes critical at 1-3Then we turn the page to Georgia State.The Panthers are 3-1 and playing with confidence, but ODU has won six of seven in the series and three straight. For the Monarchs, the difference between leaving Atlanta 2-3 and falling to 1-4 feels enormous.This may be the biggest game of the season simply because ODU badly needs something positive to build on.Can the Monarchs get right in Atlanta?Drop your thoughts and your ODU vs. Georgia State score prediction below.

The undefeated streak is over. What happened next may tell us even more about this ODU team.George Maire and David “Chapo” Chapman join Aaron and Mike to talk about the battle with now-#1 South Carolina, bouncing back after falling behind William & Mary, and why this group believes it has the mentality to handle adversity.We also get to know George and Chapo away from the pitch — from Liverpool and Nottingham to British food, Scouse accents, locker-room personalities and another round of rapid-fire questions.Then Tennant McVea joins the show to break down what ODU learned from its first loss, the incredible atmosphere against South Carolina, the gritty comeback over William & Mary and how player ownership has helped change the culture inside the program.Plus, we preview Sunday's Sun Belt road test at Georgia Southern and learn another Tennant McVea Phrase of the Day: “On a sixpence.”The Monarchs are 8-1.Now it's time to take that mentality on the road.

CB, Gary and Coach Finny talk about new ODU AD Tim House, stadium construction updates and new uniform combos. Catcher Macaddin Dye joins to give us the inside scoop on how the Monarchs' pitching staff is looking so far and his experience playing for the Pilots this summer.

Old Dominion had every opportunity to beat East Carolina.Instead, the Monarchs let one get away.ODU fell 20-17 to ECU, dropping to 1-2 after a frustrating second half filled with turnovers, penalties, missed opportunities and an offense still searching for consistency.Now comes JMU.The Dukes arrive in Norfolk at 3-0, winners of four straight against Old Dominion, and suddenly Saturday feels much bigger than just another game on the schedule.Aaron, Mike and Justice break down what went wrong against ECU, why the offense continues to struggle finding an identity and whether the offensive line can finally put together four consistent quarters.We also dig into Ricky Rahne's revealing postgame comments about leadership, accountability and making sure everyone is pulling in the same direction. After back-to-back losses, how this locker room responds to adversity may become one of the defining stories of the season.There were positives, too.ODU's defense once again played well enough to win. Mario Thompson, Jackson Forrest, Daevon Iles and the rest of the unit kept the Monarchs in the game while the offense struggled to capitalize.But JMU presents an entirely different challenge.The Dukes aren't necessarily overwhelming opponents with star power — they're 3-0 because they're playing sound football, limiting mistakes and winning in the margins. That's exactly where Old Dominion has struggled.So what has to change Saturday?• Protect the football• Find some rhythm offensively• Get more consistent play up front• Win on third down• Stop beating themselvesConference play starts now. ODU has lost four straight to JMU. The Monarchs are coming off back-to-back losses. And falling to 1-3 is a place nobody in Monarch Nation wants to contemplate.The talent is there. The defense is playing winning football. The offense has shown flashes.But flashes aren't enough anymore.**How does Old Dominion respond?**Drop your thoughts and your ODU vs. JMU prediction in the comments.

Old Dominion is 7-0, ranked #13 nationally, and preparing for its biggest test yet: #4 South Carolina under the lights in Norfolk.This week, Alessandro “Niño” Maldonado and Jacopo Caprile join Aaron and Mike first to take us inside the locker room, talk about ODU's wins over UMBC and VCU, and share the journeys that brought them to Old Dominion.We get into Jacopo's dangerous long throw, Niño's time in Croatia and with Colorado Springs, representing Honduras, battling back from injuries, and plenty of locker-room rapid fire.Then Head Coach Tennant McVea joins the show to break down the VCU win, ODU's rise in the national rankings and what makes Friday night's matchup with South Carolina such an intriguing battle.Also in the episode:⚽ Why ODU keeps finding ways to win

ODU is back home — and this one feels BIG.Old Dominion fell 44-21 at Virginia Tech, dropping the Monarchs to 1-1. The offensive line struggled, Quinn Henicle was under constant pressure, and Virginia Tech exposed some real issues ODU has to fix.But there were also some major positives.Quinn showed he can absolutely throw the football. Josh Rodriguez had a breakout performance. The defensive line continued to create havoc. And despite the final score, there are still plenty of reasons to believe this team can be dangerous in the Sun Belt.Now East Carolina comes to Norfolk at 0-2, and the Pirates desperately need a win, too. Aaron, Mike and Justice break down:• What went wrong against Virginia Tech• Why ODU's offensive line is now the biggest concern on the roster• Seven sacks, 14 tackles for loss — and what has to change immediately• Quinn Henicle's toughness and impressive deep-ball accuracy• Josh Rodriguez's breakout game• Lucas Shuck, Malachi Harris and a defense that continues to flash serious potential• ODU's inability to cover Virginia Tech's tight ends• Why ECU's pass rush could be a major problem• Mitch Griffis and ECU's offensive weapons• Ashton Gray, Jeremiah Melvin and the Pirates players ODU has to stop• Whether Saturday is a MUST-WIN for Old Dominion• Why this game may be even more important for ECU• The offensive line matchup that could decide everything• Where Kody Cook calls the game from — booth or sideline?• Our final ODU vs ECU score predictionsODU has never beaten East Carolina since football returned.2013: ECU 52-38 in Greenville2018: ECU 37-35 in Greenville2019: ECU 24-21 in Norfolk2022: ECU 39-21 in Greenville2024: ECU 20-14 in NorfolkThe Monarchs have been close. Is Saturday finally the night?Justice: ODU wins on a 50 yd Nathanial Eichner FGAaron: ODU 27, ECU 23Mike: ODU 31, ECU 21Drop YOUR score prediction below.

ODU FOOTBALL IS BACK.

Old Dominion Men's Soccer is OFF AND RUNNING.The Monarchs are 2-0 with eight goals through their first two matches, and Coach Tennant McVea joins Aaron and Mike for Episode 2 of Season 3 of In The Lion's Den to break down what has suddenly made this ODU attack so dangerous.We recap the season-opening road win over George Washington and the wild five-goal performance against Elon, including Jason Purks' huge night, Lewis Rourke's fast start and Noah Dietze unleashing an absolute

CB, Gary and Coach Finny have good news about stadium construction and pictures of the progress. Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Paul Panik joins the guys for a deep dive on the 20 new guys joining the team. Plus Rodeo Clowns and Zonkeys?

Why does Old Dominion continue to win at such a high level in college tennis?ODU Women's Tennis Head Coach Dom Manilla and ODU Men's Tennis Head Coach Dominik Mueller join Aaron and Mike for a wide-ranging conversation about the championship culture both programs have built — and what it takes to sustain that success as college athletics changes around them.The two Doms take us inside their different approaches to recruiting, roster construction, NIL and the transfer portal, including why Mueller believes the portal has actually opened doors for ODU to land better freshmen.They also tackle a much bigger issue facing college athletics: tennis programs around the country being eliminated as athletic departments face increasing financial pressure. Manilla explains why winning, fundraising, community support and running a first-class program have never been more important.Plus:

Old Dominion legend Kent Bazemore joins The Monarchists for a wide-ranging conversation about his remarkable journey from a tiny North Carolina town to ODU basketball and a decade in the NBA.Baze takes us back to the beginning — arriving at Old Dominion as a raw 164-pound redshirt, battling his way up the depth chart, becoming one of college basketball's elite defenders, winning championships and helping create one of the greatest eras in Monarch basketball history.Then we head to the NBA.Kent tells us how an undrafted opportunity with Golden State changed his life, why he embraced being the best teammate he could be even when he wasn't playing, what it was like sharing locker rooms with Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, and why those 60-win Atlanta Hawks were so special.And yes, there are stories.The infamous Warriors popcorn-car prank. His first encounter with Kobe. Battling LeBron. The heartbreak of Butler. Life as a Laker. His Atlanta years. Going back to the G League after a decade in the NBA. And how golf became much more than another sport.Kent also gets candid about fatherhood, burnout, life after the NBA, what he wants to do next in basketball, and why he believes Old Dominion can build something special again.For Monarch Nation, this one is personal.Like. Subscribe. Share it with a Monarch.Go Monarchs!

Season 3 of In The Lion's Den is here — and we're kicking it off with the entire ODU Men's Soccer coaching crew.Head Coach Tennant McVea is joined by assistant coaches Josh Spencer and Nathan Jones for our complete preview of the 2026 Old Dominion Men's Soccer season.The Monarchs have added another deep recruiting class with talent from Virginia, across the country and around the world. We break down the newcomers, how they fit what ODU wants to become, the returners who have taken another step, and why size, athleticism and character were priorities in building this roster.Then we get to the bigger question: What should ODU Soccer look like in 2026?After a season filled with games decided on a knife edge, McVea talks about turning competitiveness into wins, finding consistency and putting Old Dominion back into the NCAA Tournament conversation.We also dive into:• The 2026 recruiting class• ODU's growing international recruiting network• The goalkeeper competition• Why the Monarchs got bigger and more physical• How the coaching staff divides responsibilities• Sports science, load management and performance data• Which returners could take the next step• The toughest games on the 2026 schedule• West Virginia, Elon and the Royal Rivalry with JMU• The NCAA's new coach's challenge system• The new eight-second goalkeeper rule• Why different college soccer balls actually matter• Which ODU coach is most likely to cost Tennant a yellow card• ODU's new recovery space and athletic dining facility• Why Norfolk itself has become an increasingly strong recruiting pitchPlus, Josh gives us the story of following England around during the World Cup — even if it wasn't exactly the most financially responsible month of his life.The first chance to see the 2026 Monarchs is Friday, August 14 at 4 PM when ODU hosts American in a FREE exhibition at the ODU Soccer Complex.Welcome back to the Lion's Den.Subscribe to The Monarchists for ODU athletics coverage all year long.Go Monarchs!ODUMonarchists.com#ODUSoccer #OldDominion #GoMonarchs #SunBeltSoccer #BeAMonarchistCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to Season 300:48 What's Changed Around ODU Soccer?03:00 Josh Spencer's World Cup Adventure04:40 How the ODU Coaching Staff Works07:30 Sports Science, Data & Load Management09:20 Meet the 2026 Recruiting Class10:30 The Goalkeeper Battle13:45 ODU's Nottingham Connection17:00 Adding Size, Experience & International Talent19:00 Building the Commonwealth Cup20:30 Why ODU Got Bigger in 202623:20 More New Faces Join the Monarchs26:30 Winning Virginia in Recruiting28:00 Building the Next Generation31:00 Roar & Pour + Back to Soccer32:00 Which Returners Took the Biggest Step?34:00 What Should ODU Soccer Look Like in 2026?36:00 Turning Close Games Into Wins38:20 Breaking Down the 2026 Schedule39:20 NCAA's New Coach's Challenge Rule42:45 When Do You Use a Challenge?44:20 ODU's Sideline Replay Strategy46:00 The New 8-Second Goalkeeper Rule48:00 Does the Soccer Ball Actually Matter?50:00 Which Coach Will Get the Most Yellow Cards?51:15 The ONE Game You Need to Attend54:20 What Makes ODU Stand Out to Recruits?57:00 Norfolk's Underrated Recruiting Advantage59:30 Final Thoughts + Go Monarchs

Two ODU journeys. One small-town football family. A mission much bigger than wins and losses.Perquimans County High School Head Coach Ian Rapanick and Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach Tyler Burns join Aaron and Mike to discuss how their paths crossed at Old Dominion and eventually brought them back together on the same coaching staff.Tyler shares how a California kid who was once too big to play youth football traveled across the country to become an offensive lineman at ODU. Ian explains how he went from working in the Monarchs' equipment room to becoming a student assistant, learning the profession and eventually accepting his first head-coaching position at just 23 years old.The coaches also take us inside football at Perquimans County:• The unique small-town atmosphere on Friday nights• Building a seventh-through-ninth-grade developmental program• Blending the shotgun Wing-T with concepts learned at ODU• Helping overlooked players navigate college recruiting• Identifying offensive linemen in approximately 15 seconds• The lessons Ian learned after becoming a head coach too early• Why relationships, mentorship and family define their program• The rivalry game every ODU fan should make the trip to see• Where to eat before kickoff in HertfordThis conversation is about football, but it is really about the responsibility coaches have to develop young men, support their community and create relationships that last long after the final whistle.Subscribe to The Monarchists for more conversations with the players, coaches and personalities who make up Monarch Nation.Visit ODUMonarchists.com for complete ODU athletics coverage.Follow The Monarchists:X: @ODUMonarchistsFacebook: @ODUMonarchistsInstagram: @ODUMonarchistsThis episode is presented by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Because of you, we create winners in the classroom, in athletic competition and in life. Become a member today.CHAPTERS00:00 ODAF and episode introduction01:00 Ian and Tyler's football beginnings03:00 Their different paths to Old Dominion06:00 Reuniting at Perquimans County08:00 Understanding the local football conference12:00 Friday nights in Perquimans County18:00 Becoming a head coach at 2320:00 Ian's coaching journey back to Perquimans24:00 Building the varsity and developmental programs31:00 Identifying offensive linemen and building an offense32:00 Mixing the shotgun Wing-T with ODU concepts35:00 Recruiting players from a small community41:00 Why Tyler Burns became a coach44:00 Why Ian Rapanick loves coaching49:00 Creating a family and brotherhood55:00 The must-see rivalry game56:00 Where to eat before kickoff57:00 Closing thoughts and Go Monarchs

Basketball legends. An unforgettable night. One fight much bigger than the game.Former Old Dominion men's basketball coach Jeff Jones and Coaches vs. Cancer Legends Gala Executive Committee member Russell Turner join Mike and Aaron to preview the 2026 Hampton Roads Coaches vs. Cancer Legends Gala.After raising more than $414,000 during its record-setting inaugural event, the gala returns to Chartway Arena on Friday, September 18 with an even bigger goal.This year's featured guests include:• Geno Auriemma• Ryan Odom• Dave Odom• Seth Greenberg• Phil Martelli• Ralph Sampson• Debbie Ryan• Dave Twardzik• Tony Brothers• Michael Cuddyer• And more to be announcedJeff discusses how his own cancer diagnosis transformed this mission into something deeply personal. Russell shares the heartbreaking story behind his “why” and explains how the American Cancer Society assists patients and families through research, transportation, lodging, treatment support, and other critical services.They also take us behind the scenes of last year's gala, including an emotional paddle raise that generated approximately $195,000 in only 10 minutes.The 2026 event will feature basketball legends, a VIP reception, outstanding food, open bars, auctions, powerful stories, and an opportunity for Hampton Roads to come together for a cause that touches nearly every family.Tables seat eight guests and are $5,000. Sponsorships, monetary donations, auction contributions, vacation properties, experiences, services, and other in-kind donations are also welcomed.LEARN MORE:https://hamptonroads.acsgala.org/PURCHASE A TABLE OR DONATE:https://hamptonroads.acsgala.org/tables-donations/INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR:Please contact Laura Fien, American Cancer Society Staff Partner, at laura.fien@cancer.orgEven when you cannot purchase a table or make a donation, you can help by sharing this episode and spreading the word.This is not Jeff's event.This is not Russell's event.This is not ODU's event.This is our event. One team. One fight.Subscribe to The Monarchists for independent coverage of Old Dominion athletics.#ODU #OldDominion #CoachesVsCancer #CancerResearch #MonarchNationYOUTUBE CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome to The Monarchists01:15 – Last year's record-setting $414,000 gala01:45 – Jeff Jones gives his elevator pitch04:00 – Geno Auriemma, Ryan Odom and this year's legends07:00 – Russell Turner asks Hampton Roads to find its “why”09:00 – How to purchase a table or support the event10:30 – Why Jeff Jones made his cancer journey public12:00 – Building the Legends Gala after retirement15:15 – Russell Turner shares his deeply personal “why”17:00 – How the American Cancer Society helps patients19:00 – Lessons learned from the inaugural gala22:00 – The search for a presenting sponsor23:00 – What guests will experience at the gala25:00 – Making year two even better27:00 – The $195,000 paddle raise30:00 – Tables, sponsorships and ways to donate31:15 – Jeff Jones' recruiting pitch to Hampton Roads32:00 – One team. One fight.33:00 – Final message to Monarch Nation

CB, Gary and Coach Finny chat about upcoming rule changes, non-conference opponents, Monarchs in pro ball and a stadium construction update. Beau Cowan checks in to say hello and the guys breakdown the new additions to the 2027 roster.

Brandon Carr helped build Old Dominion Football from the ground up. Now the former Monarch offensive lineman is building football players, leaders and young men as the head coach at Indian River High School.Coach Carr joins Aaron and Mike to pull back the curtain on ODU Football's original era, including the brutal offseason workouts that established the program's standard, the moment the Monarchs realized they belonged, the comeback from 21 points down at JMU and what made ODU's explosive 2011 offense so difficult to stop.Brandon also explains how an aspiring baseball player and future FBI agent discovered his calling as a football coach. He breaks down his relationship-driven coaching philosophy, the importance of consistency and accountability, and how Indian River has created a culture in which players fall in love with the work.The offensive line talk gets deep, too. Brandon discusses how he evaluates young linemen, why fundamentals and athleticism create a true mean streak, the meaning behind “Doing Simple Great” and why he partnered with former UVA and NFL linebacker Eli Harold to develop the next generation of big men in the 757.Plus:• The lessons Brandon learned at Fork Union• Why he chose ODU and believed in Bobby Wilder's vision• What happened inside the locker room during the JMU comeback• The brotherhood that makes offensive line rooms different• Why relationships still matter in the NIL era• His most important advice for recruits: “Love who loves you”• A preview of Indian River's experienced 2026 team• His DMX pregame soundtrack• The former Monarch he would add to Indian River's roster• Why ODU Football's best days are still aheadThis episode is brought to you by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Because of you, we create winners in the classroom, in athletic competition and in life. Become an ODAF member today.Like the episode, subscribe to The Monarchists and tell us your favorite memory from the original era of ODU Football.Go Monarchs!#ODUFootball #MonarchNation #757FootballChapters00:00 ODAF Intro00:17 Meet Brandon Carr00:48 From Baseball Dreams to Football03:31 Fork Union and Relentless Determination05:19 Building ODU Football From the Ground Up08:10 Delaware, Belief and the Explosive 2011 Offense10:28 Wing-T Roots and Becoming ODU's Center12:05 Why Brandon Chose Old Dominion14:20 From FBI Plans to a Coaching Calling17:05 Inside ODU's Comeback at JMU19:35 Brandon Carr's Coaching Philosophy22:35 Becoming Indian River's Head Coach24:50 Creating Buy-In Through Consistency27:45 Falling in Love With the Work28:40 How Brandon Develops Offensive Linemen30:10 Building the 757's Big Men With Eli Harold31:30 What “Doing Simple Great” Really Means32:32 Technique, Athleticism and the Mean Streak35:06 How Offensive Line Play Has Evolved36:40 Teaching Football Without Overcomplicating It38:25 Recruiting Advice: “Love Who Loves You”40:20 Brandon's Advice to His Younger Self42:03 Previewing Indian River's 2026 Team43:25 The Game Everyone Circles44:00 Rapid Fire: O-Line Life, DMX and Nick Mayers47:05 The Most Rewarding Part of Coaching48:05 Brandon's Message to Monarch Nation

He walked on at Old Dominion with zero scholarship offers from the D1 level — and left as a 4-year starter, team captain, and CAA Champion. Now Robbie Duncan is the Head Football Coach at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, building a program from the ground up in Hampton Roads.In this episode of The Monarchists Podcast, Robbie sits down with Mike and Aaron to talk about:

In this episode, Mike and Justice sit down with Old Dominion University alum Brandon Linney, currently the running backs coach for the Presbyterian College Blue Hose! Coach Linney takes us through his incredible, relentless journey climbing the college football coaching ranks. From starting out as a passionate volunteer student assistant at ODU to coaching at multiple Division I and JUCO programs before the age of 30, Brandon breaks down his philosophy on player development, the "gallon mentality," and what it truly takes to make it in this game. Whether you are a Monarch fan, a Blue Hose supporter, or an aspiring coach, this is a masterclass in perseverance, teaching, and building authentic relationships.

Coach Finny is back with CB and Gary to cover the transfer portal and recruiting. We have updates on the stadium construction and a big scheduling scheduling announcement. Plus we talk about the College World Series and Troy's run to Omaha

How do NFL teams really build championship rosters?This week, The Monarchists sit down with ODU football pioneer and Philadelphia Eagles Vice President of Player Personnel Charles Walls for an incredible conversation about football, leadership, scouting, roster construction, and the journey from the very first ODU football team to helping build Super Bowl champions.Charles shares stories from ODU's early days under Bobby Wilder, working alongside Taylor Heinicke, Thomas DeMarco, Nick Mayers, Ronnie Cameron, and Deron Mayo, breaking into the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, learning from some of the league's top executives, and eventually helping the Eagles build one of the NFL's premier rosters.We also dive into:

ODU Football head coach Ricky Rahne joins The Monarchists to talk spring ball, the importance of summer development, recruiting camps, roster retention, NIL/revenue sharing, offensive line progress, and why Monarch fans should embrace the team in front of them right now.Coach also explains why summer workouts shape the heart and soul of a football team, what ODU looks for during camps, how player leadership develops in June and July, and why the best days of college football can still be ahead.Plus: golf tournament stories, Coach Snodgrass praise, honest recruiting insight, and a surprise wrestling detour at the end.Subscribe, like, comment, and share with Monarch Nation.Go Monarchs!Chapters00:00 Intro & ODAF shoutout01:00 Spring ball recap: 15 practices, not 1602:35 Offensive line progress04:00 Coach Snodgrass and the importance of summer development06:45 ODU Football golf tournament09:50 Football camps and players coaching campers12:45 What makes a successful summer?16:20 NCAA recruiting calendar and rule complexity19:15 What ODU evaluates at camps23:05 What can be taught vs. what traits are harder to change25:25 Recruiting measurables and why height exaggerations hurt players29:25 NIL, revenue sharing, recruiting, and roster retention34:00 Post-camp evaluations and offer decisions35:45 Evaluating camp data and long-distance campers37:00 How ODU treats every camper38:25 New offensive line coaches40:45 What ODU fans should do before the season41:45 “The good old days are never coming back”44:00 Bonus wrestling talk with Coach Rahne47:00 Coach Rahne thanks The Monarchists48:00 Go Monarchs

Monarch Nation… this one belongs in the ODU Hall of Fame.Taylor Heinicke finally joins The Monarchists Podcast and delivers an all-time conversation that every Old Dominion fan needs to hear. From the real recruiting story that brought him to Norfolk, to getting thrown into the fire against ranked UMass, to 730 yards in one afternoon, to JMU heartbreakers (for them), to NFL playoff chaos, Busch Light fines, and the moment he knew it was time to walk away from football — nothing is off limits.This episode is raw, hilarious, emotional, and deeply Monarch-proud. Taylor reflects on:- The improbable moments that built ODU Football- His relationship with Thomas DeMarco, Larry Pinkard, and teammates- Life-changing NFL moments (including that Tampa Bay playoff game)- Why he's retiring — and why Virginia Beach is home next- And yes… the full Busch Light plane story

CB and Gary recap the 2026 season with Coach Finwood. Finny gives us a behind the scenes view of the exit interview process and a stadium update. The guys will be back in June for a recruiting update.

CB and Gary recap a series win over JMU and reveal Players of the Week. Then a quick preview of the Sun Belt Baseball Tournament before the fellas head off to Montgomery.

Darin Kuskie and Nick Sulpizio join to recap a series win over #8 Coastal Carolina. CB, Gary and Coach Finwood look ahead to the final series against JMU and who you should root for this weekend.

CB and Gary recap and SBC series win and a week with two walk off victories. Brody Connors and Maddox Jack hop on to tell their ODU story.

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap the Georgia State series, including the gut wrenching loss on Sunday. The guys look ahead to the final 9 SBC games of the year and what ODU needs to do to make the tournament.

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap a 4-0 week with a sweep of Georgia Southern. Monarch outfielders TJ Aiken and Nick Felton hop on to talk about the weekend, Nick's walk off win and what's considered the south.

RHP JJ Gatti joins this week, fresh off this third consecutive strong start. CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap a 2-2 week and look ahead to a big weekend series with Georgia Southern

ODU Baseball Sophomore Efrain Morales joins the guys to talk about his big bounce back from injury. Coach Finny hops on to recap 4 games against Top 10 opponents and the big win Friday.

Old Dominion fans have had a lot of questions lately about the future of ODU Athletics, NIL, revenue sharing, the AD search, and what Monarchs+ is really supposed to be.In this episode of The Monarchists Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ron Moses, ODU's Deputy Athletic Director for Student Athlete Advancement, Revenue Growth, and Competitive Strategy, for one of the most informative conversations we've had in a long time.Dr. Moses breaks down the current Athletic Director search, why search firms matter, how FOIA can impact executive hires, and what kind of timeline fans should realistically expect. Then we dive deep into the new college athletics landscape, including the difference between traditional NIL and revenue sharing, how ODU is approaching both, and why accountability, infrastructure, and fan experience now matter more than ever.We also get into Complete Champions, ODU's NIL arm, and the launch of Monarchs+, a new membership model built to give fans more access, more content, exclusive gear, and a more direct connection to Old Dominion Athletics.This is a must-listen if you care about where ODU Athletics is headed and how Monarch Nation can help shape it.Become a member of Monarchs+ and the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation today and support the future of ODU Athletics.https://odusports.com/monarchs-plus#subscribeSubscribe now and stay locked in with The Monarchists, the best and ONLY ODU podcast on the planet.#ODU #ODUAthletics #OldDominion #MonarchsPlus #NIL #RevenueSharing #TheMonarchistsChapters0:00 Intro0:28 Meet Dr. Ron Moses1:00 What Dr. Moses actually does at ODU2:10 AD search timeline and what fans should know5:05 Why schools use search firms8:15 FOIA, airport interviews, and how searches stay private10:18 NIL vs. revenue share explained14:12 ODU's commitment to revenue sharing18:07 Accountability and building winning systems22:18 Can ODU win across all sports in this era?27:18 What Complete Champions actually does32:20 How local businesses can partner with ODU athletes33:28 What Monarchs+ is and why it matters38:22 Building the infrastructure behind Monarchs+42:42 Behind the Shield, the new paywall, and fan experience44:18 Events, access, and what fans can expect from Monarchs+47:24 How current supporters can convert to Monarchs+51:50 Exclusive gear and sideline apparel possibilities54:18 Final message to ODU fans57:18 Closing thoughts

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap the series at South Alabama. Freshmen pitchers Ben Tanton and Jackson Okonkwo hop on to chat all things pitching, hidden talents and getting the win on Saturday.

The Monarchists are back with another edition of The Monarchists Basketball Show, joined by Mike Jones to break down the season, what went wrong, and what comes next for Old Dominion Monarchs Men's Basketball.Coach Jones gets brutally honest about expectations vs. reality, roster construction challenges, and the evolving landscape of the Sun Belt Conference. From recruiting JUCO talent and navigating the transfer portal to building a defensive identity that can win in March - nothing is off limits.

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap a 2-2 week and a series loss to App State. The guys dive into the pitching staff and how they can get back on the right track. Patrick Johnson joins to talk about earning the win on Friday out of the pen and much more!

We recap a 1-3 week against ECU and Troy then look ahead to Norfolk State and App State. Outfielder Tyler Zedalis joins to talk about his hot start to the season and growing up in a baseball family.

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recaps ODU's 2-2 week against UConn and VCU. Catcher Jack Slater joins the pod to talk about baseball and what is lined up for him after his final season.

The guys recap a 1-2 week against Norfolk State and Charlotte and look ahead to VCU midweek before UConn comes to town. Plus, Coach Finny becomes a grandfather!

Monarch Nation — this one is different.In this powerful episode of The Monarchists Podcast, we sit down with ODU alum, retired Navy SEAL, New York Times bestselling author, and leadership expert Jason Redman — and if you didn't know he was an Old Dominion graduate before today… you're not alone.Jason enlisted in 1992, became a Navy SEAL, later earned selection into the ultra-competitive Seaman-to-Admiral commissioning program, and chose Old Dominion University as his path forward. His journey includes:Elite SEAL leadershipBattlefield injury in IraqThe legendary “Sign on the Door”Founding Wounded WearLaunching TurboVets (AI + automation for veterans)Becoming a nationally recognized leadership speakerAnd helping bring Patriot Hard Seltzer to VirginiaBut more importantly — this is about mindset.If you:Love ODU and the Hampton Roads communityRespect the military and Navy SEALsAre fighting through adversityWant to become the elite version of yourselfBelieve leadership starts within…this episode is for you.Jason breaks down:How to build an Overcome MindsetWhy leadership is about leading yourself firstThe difference between rank and real leadershipWhat he learned from failureWhy comfort is the enemy of growthHow to write your own “Sign on the Door”This isn't just an interview. It's a masterclass in resilience.

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap a weekend sweep of Niagara. Cole Lanford joins after a key outing to complete the sweep. He also tells his comeback story from brain surgery a year ago.

Mike had the special opportunity to talk with Clarisse Machanguana. The former Lady Monarch had a storied career at Old Dominion, earning CAA Player of the Year and All-American honors on her way to being drafted by the LA Sparks in the WNBA athlete. After a successful professional career Clarisse started the Clarisse Machanguana Foundation with the vision of creating a generation of women leaders who can harness their dreams, potential, and talent to overcome traditional barriers and positively reshape their futures and communities. Her foundation has touched countless lives in Mozambique since its' founding in 2014. Mozambique is dealing with catastrophic flooding, that sadly took Clarisse's home and all of her possessions. In order to continue her work with her foundation, she seeks support to get her life back in order. Please visit the following link to support Clarisse in this effort: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Rebuilding-clarisses-home-after-mozambique-floods?attribution_id=sl:3c6c9f38-62df-4071-ad85-5f24ea752228&ts=1771515920&utm_campaign=natman_today_topbar_ios&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link Chapters: 00:00 Sponsor Message: Old Dominion Athletic Foundation 00:20 Meet ODU Legend Clarisse Machanguana 00:36 Growing Up in Mozambique: Finding Basketball & Belonging 01:59 Breaking Barriers: Civil War, Gender Norms & Becoming a Voice 06:24 Portugal Years: First Big Move and a Path to ODU 09:50 Culture Shock at Old Dominion: Language, Training & Survival 14:41 ODU Dominance: Leadership Lessons from a Historic Run 17:37 Playing for Coach Wendy Larry: Tough Love and Growth 19:42 Sisterhood with Ticha Penicheiro & the ODU Family 21:45 Pro Career & WNBA Draft: Proving Yourself Around the World 24:46 Building the Clarisse Machanguana Foundation: Health, Education & Hope 27:07 UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador: Impact and Limits 29:25 NBA Africa Partnerships: Basketball as the Entry Point, Not the Destination 31:48 Has Mozambique Changed for Girls? The Work Still Ahead 33:37 Catastrophic Flooding: Losing Everything and Asking for Help 36:29 How to Support + Final Message to Monarch Nation

CB, Gary and Coach Finny recap the opening weekend series against Quinnipiac, including the new outfield seating. Jayce Park and Connor Schumann join after strong appearances out of the pen on Saturday.

In this episode, the Monarchists discuss spring ball and recent news for ODU Football. Key topics include the expansion of the scouting department, the impact of JUCO connections, and the returning talent on both offense and defense. The hosts also delve into position battles, focusing on the quarterback, offensive line and wide receiver groups. Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message02:20 Scouting Department Expansion09:44 Future Game Schedules and Rivalries16:21 Spring Ball Position Battles26:23 Center Position Battle28:48 Offensive Line Battle30:01 Wide Receiver Room Talent36:53 Kicker Position Competition39:26 Running Back Room Analysis41:56 Quarterback and Offensive Strategy51:03 Upcoming Events and Announcements

Monarch Nation, this was a must-listen episode of The Monarchists Basketball Show.Head Coach Mike Jones joins Aaron and Mike for a deep, honest breakdown of the week that was—what went wrong against ULM, how the team responded against Ohio, and why the next three games inside Chartway Arena will define the stretch run.Coach Jones takes you inside:- The emotional hangover from the road trip- A powerful 6:00 AM practice that reset the culture- Zacch Wiggins' growth as a true freshman- Cal's impact when he stays out of foul trouble- LJ's clutch, ice-cold finish- The goaltending no-call everyone's still talking about- Scouting Marshall and Georgia State- Game-day preparation during doubleheaders- What he learned from this season so far- Ronnie Valentine's jersey retirement on Valentine's Day- Why these final home games matter more than everPlus:

CB, Gary and Coach Finny preview the season opening series with Quinnipiac this weekend. We've got an update, and photos, of the outfield seats, plus the weekend rotation. Bailey Matela and Kellen Davis hop on to talk dugout chatter and how they are getting ready for this weekend.

Five straight conference championships. Six straight NCAA Tournaments.And somehow… that still isn't enough for Dom Manilla

This week we preview the hitters and get a glimpse of the opening day batting order with Coach Finny. Scotty Young and Zach Leite join us to talk all things ODU Baseball

The 2026 season premier of Hudson Homers! Coach Finwood gives us a preview of the rotation and bullpen, including two of the three weekend starters. ODU all-time saves leader John Holobetz joins us from Red Sox camp in Fort Myers to talk about his impressive first season of Minor league ball.

A special edition of Hudson Homers from Step Up to the Plate. The guys catch up with a few returners and some new faces who will play big roles in 2026. Stay tuned as Hudson Homers ramps up with preview episodes starting next week!