10/19/2025 | Football | Box Score
TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic football team was defeated by No. 19 South Florida 48-13 Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium.
In a matchup between the two fastest offenses in the nation, the Owls (3-4, 2-2) and the Bulls (6-1, 3-0) were in a one-score battle in the second half before the nationally ranked USF pulled away.
Leaning on the passing game, redshirt junior QB Caden Veltkamp tied the program’s single-game record for completions with 35. Freshman Jordan Magwood then came in relief and completed six passes for a team record 41 on the evening.
FIRST HALF
The Bulls recorded an opening-drive touchdown. FAU’s first possession on offense culminated in a 45-yard field goal from redshirt senior K Garrison Smith, the Owls’ fourth straight game coming away with points on their initial offensive drive.
South Florida scored two more touchdowns in the second quarter before Smith added a second field goal as time expired to send Florida Atlantic to the locker room trailing 21-6.
Veltkamp connected on his first nine pass attempts on the way to 21 completions in the opening half.
SECOND HALF
The Owls reached the end zone on the opening drive and capitalized with a shovel pass to senior TE Michael Kirch from three yards out to narrow the score to 21-13.
Florida Atlantic’s defense forced a three-and-out on the ensuing drive but did not find the end zone again. USF answered with 27 straight points through the end of the game.
OFFENSE
Redshirt sophomore WR Asaad Waseem set his career high in receptions for the second straight game, hauling in eight.
Kirch has tallied three touchdown receptions, the most in a season by an FAU tight end since Harrison Bryant in 2019.
With seven receptions on the evening, redshirt junior WR Easton Messer is at 60 total for the season, setting a new collegiate career high.
DEFENSE
For the second game in a row, redshirt junior LB Tyler Stolsky led the way with double digit tackles, logging 11.
Sophomore DL Gavench Marcelin had a career high five tackles, including his first sack of the season.
Freshman DB Damon Allen had his first pass breakup of his collegiate career.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Messer recorded a 53-yard punt return, the Owls’ longest since 2023 which also came on the road against South Florida.
POSTGAME AUDIO
Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Zach Kittley
Redshirt Sophomore WR Asaad Waseem
PHOTO GALLERY
Gallery: (10-18-2025) Florida Atlantic at South Florida
UP NEXT
The Owls remain on the road for their first matchup with Navy as American Conference opponents on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 3:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.
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