Here's the latest on Florida Atlantic University, covering athletics and construction projects:

Desnoyers Injury Update

Utah Mammoth prospect Caleb Desnoyers, selected fourth overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, recently underwent wrist surgery and is expected to be sidelined for approximately three months. General Manager Bill Armstrong announced the news, stating that the 18-year-old center will be recovering for at least 12 weeks. Desnoyers, who played the majority of last season with injuries to both wrists, still managed an impressive 35 goals and 84 points in 56 games with the QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats. He also led the Wildcats to a Gilles-Courteau Trophy as league champion. Despite the setback, Desnoyers is expected to rejoin the Wildcats mid-season after rehabilitation.

Football Updates

Zach Kittley, the first-year Florida Atlantic Hagerty Family Head Football Coach, has announced the Owls' 2025 team captains, as voted upon by the team. Kittley expressed excitement about the leadership of these seven men and their willingness to serve. The Owls are preparing for their season opener against Maryland on August 30th. Kittley is aiming for better results with a revamped roster, hoping to turn around a program that hasn't had a winning season since 2019. Key transfers, including quarterback Caden Veltkamp and wide receiver Easton Messer from Western Kentucky, are expected to make an impact. Veltkamp has already been named the starting quarterback for the opening game. The Owls have added 14 players through the NCAA Transfer Portal and have a highly touted 2025 recruiting class.

Construction Updates

FAU is currently undertaking several construction projects to enhance student life and athletic facilities. Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2025 on a new seven-story residence hall with 674 beds on the Boca Raton campus. The project is estimated to be completed by Fall 2026. HKS Architecture and Balfour Beatty are collaborating on the design and construction of this project.

In addition to the residence hall, other construction and renovation projects are underway:

• Baseball Indoor Performance Center: A new facility is being built to add indoor hitting areas and training infrastructure.
• Baseball and Softball Stadiums: Improvements are being made, including new padded outfield fencing and signage. The FAU Baseball Stadium will also feature a new "Berman Zone" with cabana-style seating.
• Beach Volleyball Complex: Plans include a new scoreboard and the addition of two new courts.

These projects aim to improve the overall campus environment and provide better facilities for students and athletes.