Way-too-Early Look at the 2025 ODU Football Defense

By David Asbury

Early is on time.  On time is late.  Late is unacceptable.  

Last week, we published a Way-Too-Early Look at the 2025 ODU Offense.  In it, I emphasized that it is very early because a lot can change between now and the start of the season.  The same is true for the defense and special teams.  It is just way too early to have any good locked-in predictions for how the 2025 season will go.  But still, most of the turnover happened in December.  There is a lot to discuss even if there may be changes before the season starts.  So why don't we take a look?  You know, just for fun?

Defensive line

The defensive line has seen some turnover from last year's unit.  Defensive end Amorie Morrison transferred to UAB.  Defensive tackle Denzel Lowry transferred to Louisville.  Jaylon White-McClain transferred to Cincinnati.  The staff felt that these departures has not required much replacement because a lot of talent has stayed.  Defensive end Kris Trinidad returns which is great because he led the team in sacks last season.  Super senior Recardo Williams returns along with Deandre Lynch.  The line looks good despite the departures.

PFF and the ODU staff are really high on Deandre Lynch. He may compete with Kris Trinidad to be the best ODU defensive lineman. Photo courtesy of CB Sports Photography.

Linebacker

All of the 2024 starters are back! Those returning include defensive captain Koa Naotala, as well as veterans Mario Thompson, and Jahleel Culbreath.  These three starters were three of ODU's top-four tacklers in 2024.  Koa's brother Seth also returns to add depth which is needed for this unit because the system allows them to make a lot of tackles.   With so much contact, they will require some rest.  An intriguing question is whether star linebacker Jason Henderson returns because he is still listed on the 2025 roster and we have heard reports that he will be back in 2025.  ODU's all-time leading tackler can only make this unit better. 

The SBC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Jason Henderson attempted to return for the 2024 season but ultimately decided to redshirt it due to his injury from the year prior. Photo courtesy of CB Sports Photography.

Cornerbacks

Starting cornerback Angelo Rankin ran out of eligibility.  That was also true for starting corner Rasheed Reason and he walked on Senior day last season.  However, Reason was a JuCo player, and that means the Pavia lawsuit comes into play permitting him more eligibility.  And what do you know?  Reason's name is still on the 2025 roster.  In 2024, Reason made 49 tackles and an interception. 

If Rasheed Reason is returning then the Monarchs will have some quality depth at corner. Photo courtesy of CB Sports Photography.

Also returning at the position is veteran Khian'dre Harris.  But the returnees have not scared the staff from bringing in new talent.  Two transfers have come in.  Ronald Jackson transferred in from Montana where he made 49 tackles last season.  But an even bigger transfer may be Botros Alisandro from Purdue.  Alisandro played well in the B1G despite playing for a basement-dweller team.  Some believe he is the most talented transfer ODU has ever had.  If true, the Monarchs have a very talented corner group.

Safeties

Jahron Manning was a breakout star at safety last season.  He played so well that his departure to a Power 4 team was an inevitability.  ODU just cannot match those types of paychecks.  Manning did the right thing and played the season out but did enter the portal.  He transferred to SEC-member Mississippi State.  Meanwhile, the "star" position safety Will Jones transferred to North Texas.  That leaves the Monarchs with only one starting returning safety Patrick Smith-Young.

 
In 2024, Smith-Young (2) had one interception, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 42 total tackles. Photo courtesy of CB Sports Photography.

The Monarchs also brought in Lucas Struck from the JuCo ranks as well as Nickandre Stiger from Kansas State.  It would be a big ask for either player to match Jahron Mannings' production but if they can both become quality starters, they can anchor a top Sun Belt defense.

Defense Overall

Last season, the defense played very well early in the season.  Then struggled with injuries, leading to some porous play against the top quarterbacks of the Conference in Alonza Barnett and Braylon Braxton.  Overall, the Monarchs allowed 28.0 points per game (7th in SBC), and allowed 410.4 yards per game (8th in SBC).  The defense was better at the run than they were against the pass.  If there are no more major roster moves (and there might be) then this roster has a lot of potential to improve those numbers and go from an average Sun Belt defense to a top Sun Belt defense.

Special Teams

Let us not forget about the Special Teams.  Ethan Sanchez held down the kicker position for the past three years.  However, he entered the portal to test the market.  Sanchez will be kicking for the Houston Cougars this fall.  To replace him, Rahne and company brought in kicker Riley Callaghan from SLU who may not have the same leg but was near-perfect on extra points hitting 26 out of 27 attempts last season. He will compete for the job with junior Nathanial Eichner. Nathaniel transferred to ODU in 2023 from Alabama State. He has yet to kick for Old Dominion, but in 2022 he was 5 for 8 on field goals with a long of 42 and 9 of 11 on extra points for ASU.

There will also be a change at punter with Seamus Hall's eligibility running out.  Ian Brandt returns at the position.  In 2023, he punted 22 times for a 38.9-yard average.  Look for someone to be brought in to compete and (potentially) backup Ian in the summer. Ian also spent 2024 working as the holder, which helps bring some experience to the field goal unit where he will work with long snapper Brock Walters, who returns from injury after starting at the position in 2023 for six games and redshirting in 2024.

Ian Brandt also was the holder in 2024 for Ethan Sanchez' field goals. He will likely return in that role as well. Photo courtesy of CB Sports Photography.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!  Well calm down.  Go watch the Super Bowl and look for ODU players in the UFL.  Also do not forget to keep up with basketball and baseball.  Because we are a few months before the Spring Game and we have a good long while before the start of the season in late August.  But that also does not mean we cannot be a little excited and continue to support this team.  Hail! Old Dominion, Hail!