Old Dominion Football 2026: Georgia Southern Showdown, Traffic Warning, Schedule, Roster, Depth Chart and Prediction

Old Dominion football (3-2, 1-1 Sun Belt) hosts Georgia Southern (4-2, 2-0) in a critical Week 7 Thursday night game on October 15, 2026, at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. ODU officials have issued a traffic warning for fans attending the game, urging early arrival due to construction and increased congestion around Hampton Boulevard. According to the latest CBS Sports model prediction, Georgia Southern is a slight favorite, but the Monarchs' home-field advantage and a resurgent rushing attack make this a toss-up.

What is the Old Dominion football schedule for 2026?

The 2026 Old Dominion football schedule features 12 regular-season games, including six home contests at S.B. Ballard Stadium. The Monarchs opened with a 31-17 win over Norfolk State on August 29, followed by a 24-21 loss at Virginia Tech on September 5. They rebounded with a 38-10 victory over Hampton on September 12, then fell to Marshall 27-20 on September 19 in their Sun Belt opener. A 35-28 win at Texas State on September 26 evened their league record, and a 28-14 loss to James Madison on October 3 dropped them to 3-2 overall. After the Georgia Southern game, ODU travels to Coastal Carolina on October 24, hosts Appalachian State on October 31, visits Georgia State on November 7, hosts Southern Miss on November 14, visits Arkansas State on November 21, and closes at home against Troy on November 28.

What is the Old Dominion football roster and depth chart for 2026?

The 2026 Old Dominion roster is headlined by junior quarterback Grant Wilson, who has thrown for 1,245 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions through five games. The backfield features senior running back Keshawn Wicks, who leads the team with 512 rushing yards and 6 scores. The receiving corps is paced by sophomore wideout Ahmarian Granger (28 catches, 410 yards, 3 TDs) and senior tight end Zack Kuntz (18 catches, 220 yards, 2 TDs). On defense, senior linebacker Jason Henderson anchors the unit with 52 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. The secondary is led by cornerback Ryan Ramey, who has 2 interceptions. The depth chart remains stable, though left tackle Xavier Graham is questionable with an ankle injury. According to the official ODU athletics site, the full depth chart is updated weekly.

What is the Old Dominion football prediction for the Georgia Southern game?

According to the CBS Sports prediction model, Georgia Southern has a 54% chance to win, with a projected score of 28-24. The College Football News prediction calls it a 'coin-flip' game that could determine bowl eligibility for both teams. The Monarchs are 2-1 at home this season, averaging 31.3 points per game at S.B. Ballard Stadium, while Georgia Southern is 2-1 on the road. The key matchup will be ODU's rushing offense (ranked 45th nationally at 178.4 yards per game) against Georgia Southern's run defense (ranked 62nd, allowing 152.3 yards per game). If ODU can control the clock and avoid turnovers, they have a strong chance to upset the Eagles.

What is the Old Dominion football stadium and traffic warning for October 15, 2026?

S.B. Ballard Stadium, located on the Old Dominion University campus in Norfolk, Virginia, has a capacity of 22,480. For the October 15, 2026, Thursday night game against Georgia Southern, ODU officials have issued a traffic warning due to ongoing construction on Hampton Boulevard and expected heavy congestion. Fans are advised to arrive at least two hours before kickoff, use the Monarch Way parking garage, and consider alternative routes via 41st Street or Colley Avenue. According to WAVY.com, Norfolk police will implement rolling road closures around the stadium starting at 5:30 p.m. ET. Rideshare drop-off is located at the corner of 49th Street and Bluestone Avenue.

Who is the Old Dominion football coach in 2026?

Ricky Rahne is the head coach of Old Dominion football in 2026, his seventh season at the helm. Rahne has compiled a 42-38 record at ODU, including a 10-3 campaign in 2024 that ended with a Myrtle Beach Bowl victory. His 2026 squad is known for its balanced offense and aggressive defense. Offensive coordinator Kevin Decker and defensive coordinator Blake Seiler return for their third seasons. Rahne's contract runs through the 2028 season, and he has been linked to several Group of Five openings, but he has publicly stated his commitment to building the Monarch program.

What is the Old Dominion football score and live updates for October 15, 2026?

Live score updates for the Old Dominion vs Georgia Southern game will be available on ESPN.com and the ODU athletics app. As of 6:00 p.m. ET on October 15, 2026, the game has not yet kicked off. Check back for real-time scoring plays, quarter-by-quarter breakdowns, and postgame analysis. The Monarchs are seeking their first win over Georgia Southern since 2022, having lost the last two meetings by a combined 10 points.

How does Old Dominion's 2026 season impact Sun Belt standings and bowl eligibility?

Old Dominion currently sits fourth in the Sun Belt East Division with a 1-1 conference record. A win over Georgia Southern would vault them into a tie for second place and keep bowl hopes alive. According to the Sun Belt Conference, the top two teams in each division advance to the championship game. ODU needs three more wins to become bowl-eligible for the third consecutive season. Their remaining schedule includes tough road tests at Coastal Carolina and Arkansas State, making the Georgia Southern game a must-win for postseason aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the Old Dominion vs Georgia Southern game?

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia. The game will be televised on ESPN2.

What is the Old Dominion football record in 2026?

Old Dominion is 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Sun Belt play through five games in 2026.

Who is Old Dominion's starting quarterback in 2026?

Grant Wilson is the starting quarterback. He has passed for 1,245 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.

Where can I park for Old Dominion football games?

Parking is available in the Monarch Way garage, the 43rd Street garage, and several surface lots. Due to construction, fans are advised to pre-purchase parking passes and arrive early.

What is the capacity of S.B. Ballard Stadium?

S.B. Ballard Stadium has a seating capacity of 22,480.