The Monarchists

The Monarchists
  • 4.6 (37)
  • Basketball

The Monarchists, Mike and Aaron, sit down with Old Dominion University (ODU) alums, athletes and coaches (current and former) to discuss the school, their experiences and how their lives have been impacted by the school and their athletic programs.

  1. 4d ago

    ODU Football: Gut Check Time | Marshall Recap + Coastal Carolina Preview

    Old Dominion is 2-7. The path to a bowl game is essentially gone. So what are the Monarchs playing for now? Aaron, Mike and Justice break down ODU’s 36-23 Homecoming loss to Marshall — a game that featured more offensive production than we’ve seen recently, but was ultimately undone by turnovers, penalties and one unforgettable momentum-changing play. The missed field goal returned for a touchdown created a massive swing before halftime and completely changed the way ODU had to play the second half. But there were positives. The Monarchs produced more than 400 yards of offense. Jaxon Potter showed off his arm talent. Josh Rodriguez and Kendall Harris delivered big performances. The offensive line showed signs of progress, and ODU finally incorporated more of the short throws, crossing routes and checkdowns we’ve been asking to see. Unfortunately, four quick turnovers made life nearly impossible for a defense that once again gave the Monarchs opportunities to get back into the game. We also have a much bigger conversation about the state of Monarch Nation. Frustration is one thing. Apathy is something much more dangerous. With three games remaining, the focus now turns toward who continues to compete, which young players earn opportunities, who emerges as a leader and what this staff and roster can show us heading into 2027. Then we preview Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers are led by talented quarterback Deuce Bailey and an offense capable of putting up points quickly. Coastal has also struggled to put together complete games, which makes this another opportunity for ODU if the Monarchs can eliminate the turnovers and start faster offensively. The postseason reward may be disappearing. The opportunity to compete isn’t. **Who keeps fighting — and can ODU finish this season by giving Monarch Nation something to build on?** Drop your thoughts and your ODU vs. Coastal Carolina prediction below. 👑 Go Monarchs. **Presented by Brandon Johnson State Farm** For your insurance and financial needs: 📞 **757-264-6267** 🌐 brandonjohnsonagency.com 🌐 The Monarchists: odumonarchists.com 📱 Follow us everywhere: **@ODUMonarchists** 00:00 Monarch Nation Checks In 01:00 Toys for Tots Was Another Success 03:00 Marshall 36, ODU 23 04:00 The Kick Six That Changed Everything 06:00 Fan Reaction to the Kick Return 08:00 A 10-Point Swing Before Halftime 10:00 Why ODU Started Chasing Points 11:00 The Defense Kept Giving ODU Chances 12:00 The Offense Finally Shows Some Life 13:00 Four Turnovers Change the Game 15:00 Jaxon Potter Shows His Arm 16:00 The Checkdowns Finally Work 18:00 Did the Kick Six Decide the Game? 19:00 Where Is the ODU Fan Base Right Now? 21:00 The Danger of Fan Apathy 25:00 Tim House & the Future of ODU Athletics 29:00 Brandon Johnson State Farm 30:00 Coastal Carolina Preview 31:00 Deuce Bailey Drives the Coastal Offense 33:00 Coastal Players to Watch 38:00 Breaking Down the Matchup 40:00 ODU Cannot Fall Behind Early 41:00 How Should ODU Defend Deuce Bailey? 44:00 How Much Should Jaxon Potter Throw? 47:00 What Happens at Running Back? 48:00 What Are These Final Three Games About? 50:00 How Should ODU Evaluate the Roster? 52:00 Playing When There’s No Bowl Reward 55:00 Gut Check Time 57:00 What Do We Need to See Before 2027? 1:00:00 Give Monarch Nation Some Hope 1:02:00 Coastal Is Still Winnable 1:03:00 Final Thoughts #ODUFootball #OldDominion #CoastalCarolina #SunBeltFootball #CollegeFootball #TheMonarchists

  2. Oct 28 ·  Bonus

    Mike Jones: "I LOVE THIS TEAM" | ODU Basketball Season Preview (S5E2) - The Monarchists Basketball Show

    "I love this team." - Coach Mike Jones The 2026–27 ODU Men's Basketball season is almost here, and Head Coach Mike Jones joins Aaron and Mike for Season 5, Episode 2 of The Monarchists Basketball Show! Following exhibitions against VCU and Virginia State, Coach Jones gives Monarch Nation an inside look at a team he's excited about. From a revamped defensive philosophy to an emphasis on physicality, leadership, and playing with pace, he explains what makes this group different and why he's optimistic about the season ahead. We also discuss the impact of new assistant coaches Jim Molinari and Orlando Vandross, the development of Zacch Wiggins, the leadership of Adante' Holiman and Bubu Benjamin, an injury update on Lucio Martini, and the challenge of establishing a rotation with so much depth. Plus, Coach shares some fascinating behind-the-scenes details about how his staff evaluates personalities, teaches toughness, and prepares players to sacrifice for the good of the team. The regular season tips off Monday, November 2, when ODU hosts Western Michigan at Chartway Arena in the MAC–Sun Belt Challenge. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Team Expectations 02:00 – New Assistant Coaches and Their Impact 07:00 – Installing ODU's New Defensive System 09:05 – Lessons Learned Against VCU 11:50 – Virginia State Exhibition and ODU Connections 13:30 – The Identity of This ODU Team 16:45 – Coaching, Communication and Building Culture 21:20 – Teaching Toughness and Finishing Through Contact 24:25 – Lucio Martini Injury Update 28:05 – The Development of Zacch Wiggins 31:05 – Adante' Holiman's Leadership and Scoring 34:10 – Why ODU Recruited Bubu Benjamin 37:50 – Playing Rotation, Depth and Emerging Guards 42:20 – Playing Time, Shot Attempts and Sacrifice 45:45 – Preparing for Western Michigan 48:30 – The Importance of ODU's Student Managers 54:45 – Building a Schedule to Win the Sun Belt Support The Monarchists! 👍 Like this video if you're ready for ODU Basketball! 💬 Comment below: What excites you most about this year's Monarchs? 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The Monarchists Basketball Show, player interviews, or our coverage throughout the season. Follow The Monarchists: 🌐 Website: https://odumonarchists.com X: @ODUMonarchists Facebook: @ODUMonarchists Instagram: @ODUMonarchists This episode is presented by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Support ODU student-athletes and help build champions in the classroom, in competition, and in life. #ODUBasketball #ODU #Monarchs #SunBelt

    Mike Jones: "I LOVE THIS TEAM" | ODU Basketball Season Preview (S5E2) - The Monarchists Basketball Show

  3. Oct 27 ·  Bonus

    S3E23 - Fall Ball with Jonathan Hadra - Hudson Homers

    CB, Gary and Coach Finwood give their thoughts on the first three Fall Ball games for the Monarchs. Finny breakdown his biggest surprise so far and how the team has adapted to challenging ball/strike calls Assistant Coach Jonathan Hadra joins to talk hitting, defense getting "90's".

    S3E23 - Fall Ball with Jonathan Hadra - Hudson Homers

  4. Oct 26

    ODU Football: The Offense Is Broken | Louisiana Tech Recap + Marshall Preview

    Old Dominion has officially reached a difficult place. ODU was shut out 26-0 at Louisiana Tech, fell to 2-6 and left Ruston with even more questions about an offense that has struggled to find answers all season. So we finally ask the question: Is the ODU offense broken? Aaron, Mike and Justice break down another frustrating performance in which the Monarchs managed just 35 gross rushing yards, finished with negative rushing yardage after losses were factored in and crossed midfield only twice. There were some signs of improvement in pass protection. But even with more time in the pocket, the passing game couldn’t consistently capitalize. Drops. Overthrows. Underthrows. No explosive plays. Few reliable checkdowns or safety valves. And an offense that continues to make things much harder on its quarterbacks than it needs to. Meanwhile, the defense once again played well enough to give ODU an opportunity. Ja’Mez Drummer had a huge day, Koa Naotala continued making plays in the backfield, and after allowing 14 first-quarter points, the defense didn’t allow another touchdown. But when the offense scores zero, none of that is enough. We discuss whether anything can realistically be changed this late in the season, why the disappearance of the running game has completely changed this team and what ODU can still do to simplify things offensively. Then we turn the page to Marshall. The Thundering Herd comes to Norfolk for Homecoming with an eight-game winning streak over ODU, and for the Monarchs, the math is now brutally simple. Win out and bowl eligibility is still alive. Lose again, and that door closes. So yes: Marshall is a must-win. Can ODU finally end the streak, find something offensively and keep the season alive? Drop your thoughts and your ODU vs. Marshall prediction in the comments. 👑 Go Monarchs. Presented by Brandon Johnson State Farm For your insurance and financial needs, call 757-264-6267 or visit: https://brandonjohnsonagency.com 🧸 TOYS FOR TOTS — OCTOBER 31 Monarch Nation, bring a NEW, UNWRAPPED TOY to the Marshall game. Marines will be collecting toys and monetary donations around the stadium and at The Monarchists tailgate in the Blue Lot. Last year, Monarch Nation donated more than 800 toys and $8,000. Let’s beat it this year. 🌐 odumonarchists.com 📱 Follow on all social media outlets: @ODUMonarchists #ODUFootball #OldDominion #MarshallFootball #SunBeltFootball #CollegeFootball #TheMonarchists Chapters 00:00 Monarch Nation Therapy Session 01:00 Louisiana Tech 26, ODU 0 02:00 The Running Game Hits Rock Bottom 03:30 Is the Offensive Line Improving? 04:30 Breaking Down Jaxon Potter 05:30 Where Are ODU’s Safety Valves? 08:00 The Play-Calling Questions Continue 10:00 The Defense Keeps Fighting 11:00 Ja’Mez Drummer Has a Huge Day 13:00 Is ODU’s Offense Broken? 16:00 38 Sacks Through Eight Games 18:00 ODU’s Scoring Problem 20:00 Can Anything Be Fixed Midseason? 23:00 Who Is ODU Supposed to Beat? 24:00 Brandon Johnson State Farm 25:00 Ricky Rahne: Monarch Nation Deserves More 25:30 Toys for Tots 28:30 Homecoming + Marshall Preview 31:00 Marshall Players to Watch 35:00 Breaking Down the Matchup 36:00 Can ODU Finally Run the Football? 39:00 Is Marshall a Must-Win? 41:00 What Happens If ODU Loses? 43:00 Fan Apathy Is the Real Danger 46:00 What Happens With the Program Next? 49:00 Support the Players 51:00 What Is ODU Still Playing For? 55:00 Can ODU Finally Beat Marshall? 57:00 One Last Shot at a Bowl 58:00 Bring Your Toys + Final Thoughts

  5. Oct 19

    ODU Football: Can This Offense Be Fixed? | Georgia Southern Recap + Louisiana Tech Preview

    Old Dominion’s defense keeps giving the Monarchs chances. The offense keeps struggling to cash them in. ODU fell 23-15 to Georgia Southern on a night that began with plenty of energy: Taylor Heinicke’s No. 14 jersey retirement, a military flyover and another Thursday night atmosphere in Norfolk, but ended with another frustratingly winnable game slipping away. Aaron, Mike and Justice break down what went right, what went wrong and why the offensive questions are getting harder to ignore. ODU opened the game with a beautiful 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Later, Ryan Huff connected with TJ Johnson for the explosive play the Monarchs desperately needed. In between? Very little offensive consistency. The running game never got going. ODU once again struggled attacking between the tackles despite having shown more success running outside. Penalties and turnovers continued to hurt drives, and the Monarchs finished another game asking why the offense doesn’t simply lean harder into the things that have actually worked. Meanwhile, the defense did enough to give ODU a chance late. So what changes now? With Quinn Henicle’s status uncertain, Ryan Huff may get another opportunity at quarterback — and that could require a very different offensive approach. Then we turn our attention to Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs are 4-2, unbeaten in Sun Belt play and dangerous on both sides of the football. Jalen Mickens leads a talented group of offensive weapons, Louisiana Tech has one of the league’s strongest linebacker groups, and its defense creates turnovers. If Huff gets the start, can ODU simplify the passing game, get the ball out quickly and finally throw the football well enough to open running lanes? Because continuing to do what hasn’t worked and hoping for different results isn’t an answer anymore. **Can this ODU offense be fixed, and can it happen quickly enough to save the season?** Drop your thoughts and your ODU vs. Louisiana Tech prediction in the comments. 👑 Go Monarchs. **Presented by Brandon Johnson State Farm** For your insurance and financial needs, call **757-264-6267** or visit: https://brandonjohnsonagency.com 🧸 **Toys for Tots:** We’ll once again be collecting new, unwrapped toys at the October 31 ODU home game. Help Monarch Nation make this year’s drive our biggest yet. 🌐 odumonarchists.com 📱 Follow **@ODUMonarchists** #ODUFootball #OldDominion #LouisianaTech #SunBeltFootball #CollegeFootball #TheMonarchists **CHAPTERS** 00:00 Georgia Southern Recap Begins 01:30 ODU’s Military Flyover 03:00 Taylor Heinicke’s No. 14 Is Retired 04:00 Reviewing the Drone Show 06:00 Sun Belt Commissioner Stops By 08:00 Rick Lovato’s Super Bowl Rings 11:00 Isaac Weaver Returns to Norfolk 12:00 ODU’s Defense Did Enough to Win 14:00 Shaq Leaks Gets His First INT 15:00 The Roughing-the-Punter Momentum Killer 16:00 ODU’s Beautiful Opening Drive 18:00 The Offense Falls Apart 19:00 Why Didn’t ODU Run Outside? 21:00 The Offensive Play Calling Questions 22:00 What Georgia Southern Did Differently 24:00 ODU’s Offensive Numbers Are Ugly 27:00 The Run Game Has Completely Disappeared 28:00 Late-Game Decisions Under the Microscope 31:00 Why Every Game Still Feels Winnable 32:00 What Is ODU’s Offensive Identity? 34:00 Penalties, Turnovers & Officiating 38:00 Is Louisiana Tech a Must-Win? 39:00 Brandon Johnson State Farm 39:15 Toys for Tots 41:00 Louisiana Tech Preview 43:00 How Good Are the Bulldogs? 44:00 Louisiana Tech Players to Watch 48:00 Blake Baker & the Two-QB Look 50:00 Could Ryan Huff Start Again? 52:00 How Aggressive Should ODU Be? 54:00 The Best We’ve Seen Ryan Huff Look 56:00 Throw the Ball to Open the Run? 58:00 Can ODU Score Enough to Win? 1:00:00 Simplify the Offense 1:02:00 Stop Running Into the Wall 1:04:00 Afterglow + ODU Sports Saturday 1:05:00 Early Basketball Takeaways 1:08:00 Final Thoughts

  6. Oct 12

    ODU Football Shows Signs of Life | App State Recap + Georgia Southern Preview

    Victory Sunday finally returned to Monarch Nation. Old Dominion went into Boone, battled through miserable weather and came home with a 10-3 win over Appalachian State — ODU’s first-ever victory at App State. It wasn’t pretty. But after everything that has happened over the last several weeks, pretty wasn’t the point. The ODU defense absolutely dominated, holding App State to just 158 total yards and 2.9 yards per play. Javen Gibson tied the program record with four tackles for loss, the Monarchs generated consistent pressure, and one of the Sun Belt’s most productive passing attacks never found a rhythm. And for the first time in weeks, the ODU running game looked alive. The Monarchs rushed for 207 yards, Devin Roche delivered another huge performance, and Quinn Henicle gutted through an injury while giving the offense another dimension with his legs. So did ODU finally find its identity? Aaron, Mike and Justice break down what changed in Boone, why running outside the tackles produced significantly better results, whether the offensive line actually took a step forward and how much of Saturday’s success can carry over when the Monarchs aren’t playing in tropical-storm conditions. Then it’s a short turnaround. Georgia Southern comes to Norfolk Thursday night with one of the Sun Belt’s most dangerous passing attacks. Max Johnson has thrown for more than 1,500 yards with 11 touchdowns, and the Eagles nearly knocked off JMU. For ODU, this one feels enormous. A win would move the Monarchs to 3-4, create some real momentum and keep the path toward bowl eligibility very much alive. And it all happens on a special Thursday night as Old Dominion honors one of the greatest Monarchs ever, Taylor Heinicke, by retiring No. 14. Was Boone simply one good Saturday? Or did we just see the first signs of an ODU turnaround? Drop your thoughts and your ODU vs. Georgia Southern prediction in the comments. 👑 Go Monarchs. **This episode is sponsored by Brandon Johnson State Farm.** For your insurance and financial needs, call **757-264-6267** or visit **brandonjohnsonagency.com**. #ODUFootball #OldDominion #GeorgiaSouthern #AppState #SunBeltFootball #CollegeFootball #TheMonarchists Chapters 00:00 Victory Sunday Returns! 01:00 Ricky Rahne Takes the Victory Slide 03:00 Javen Gibson’s Record-Setting Day 04:00 ODU Shuts Down Malachi Singleton 08:00 App State Couldn’t Convert on Third Down 12:00 ODU’s Running Game Comes Alive 14:00 Why Running Outside Worked 17:00 BJ Bedgood Shows His Speed 18:00 Quinn Henicle’s Gutsy Performance 22:00 Did ODU Need Quinn to Win? 23:00 Devin Roche Delivers Again 25:00 Did the Offensive Line Improve? 29:00 The Penalties Still Have to Stop 30:00 Did ODU Finally Find Its Identity? 34:00 A Historically Good Defensive Day 35:00 Brandon Johnson State Farm 36:00 Georgia Southern Preview 37:00 Thursday Night in Norfolk 39:00 Max Johnson Leads the Eagles 41:00 Georgia Southern Receivers to Watch 43:00 Breaking Down the Eagles Defense 47:00 ODU vs Georgia Southern Matchup 49:00 ODU Has to Pressure Max Johnson 50:00 Can ODU Win the Passing Matchup? 53:00 How Will Georgia Southern Defend ODU? 55:00 Taylor Heinicke’s No. 14 Gets Retired 58:00 Is Thursday Night a Must-Win? 59:00 Can ODU Get Back on Track? 1:02:00 A Huge Weekend for ODU Athletics 1:04:00 First-Ever Win in Boone 1:05:00 Pack the Stadium Thursday Night

  7. Oct 8

    ODU Soccer Needs a Response — West Virginia Comes to The Den | In the Lion’s Den

    Old Dominion is 8-3, but after three straight Sun Belt losses, Tennant McVea says the Monarchs need to remind themselves who they are. Aaron and Mike sit down with Tennant to break down the loss at Kentucky, why ODU has gotten away from its identity, and what has changed defensively over the past few matches. Tennant also explains why defending starts much higher up the field than most fans realize, how ODU uses GPS and analytics to evaluate defensive effort, and why simply running more doesn’t always mean a player is doing his job better. Then we turn the page to Friday night. West Virginia comes to The Den, ODU needs its first Sun Belt result, the band is coming back, and Tennant believes the crowd can help the Monarchs turn the corner. Also on the show: ● Why ODU struggled defensively at Kentucky ● The importance of momentum after scoring ● Lewis Rourke’s return and what he changes offensively ● Where defending actually starts on a soccer field ● How ODU uses GPS, Wyscout and pressing data ● Why statistics can sometimes be misleading ● What 0-3 in the Sun Belt means for the postseason race ● How West Virginia creates overloads and attacks space ● Tennant McVea’s Phrase of the Day: “Catch yourself on” ● Why Friday night’s atmosphere could matter ● The return of the ODU band ● ODU Soccer gear and the spring golf tournament The Monarchs have already shown what they’re capable of. Now they have to find it again. 👑 In the Lion’s Den with Tennant McVea 🌐 odumonarchists.com ⚽ Get your ODU Soccer gear at https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/SoccerODU1 Subscribe to The Monarchists for more Old Dominion athletics coverage, interviews and podcasts. #ODUSoccer #ODU #MonarchNation #CollegeSoccer #SunBelt Chapters 0:00 In the Lion’s Den 0:40 Breaking Down the Kentucky Loss 2:20 “You Can’t Score Two and Get Nothing” 3:20 What Went Wrong Defensively? 4:40 Momentum After ODU’s Equalizer 6:30 27 Goals Early — What Changed? 7:30 ODU’s Crisis of Confidence 8:40 Lewis Rourke Is Back 9:40 Where Does Defending Actually Start? 12:00 How ODU Tracks Defensive Performance 14:20 When Soccer Analytics Become Misleading 16:20 Measuring ODU’s Press 17:10 8-3 Overall, 0-3 in the Sun Belt 18:30 Scouting West Virginia 20:10 Can ODU Make West Virginia Uncomfortable? 21:10 Phrase of the Day: “Catch Yourself On” 23:10 The ODU Band Is Coming Back 24:15 Why The Den Matters Friday 25:30 Club Soccer Night & Monarchs Give Back 27:00 ODU Soccer Gear 28:30 The ODU Soccer Golf Tournament 30:10 Tennant’s Message to Monarch Nation

  8. Oct 6

    ODU Football: Is the Season Off the Rails? | Georgia State Recap + App State Preview

    Old Dominion is 1-4. And after a 42-10 loss at Georgia State, there’s no sugarcoating where this season currently stands. The Monarchs were overwhelmed offensively, repeatedly beaten over the top defensively and never seriously threatened a Georgia State team that controlled the game from start to finish. So where does ODU go from here? Aaron, Mike and Justice dig into a team that seems to have lost both its offensive identity and the confidence it showed earlier in the season. The running game that once defined Old Dominion football has disappeared. The offensive line continues to struggle creating running lanes and protecting the quarterback. Defensively, players appear to be pressing and trying to make game-changing plays instead of simply executing their assignments. And the losses are beginning to snowball. We talk about whether this team is actually getting worse, the growing frustration around the offensive line, the leadership challenge inside the locker room and the increasingly uncomfortable comparisons some fans are making to 2019. There are still players giving Monarch Nation plenty to appreciate. Devin Roche continues to compete on every snap, Mario Thompson is putting together an outstanding season, and there are veteran Monarchs who have invested years into this program and deserve the fan base’s support. But something has to change. Now ODU heads to Boone to face App State. The Mountaineers have one of the Sun Belt’s most productive passing attacks, Malachi Singleton is completing more than 70% of his passes, and App State has weapons capable of attacking the exact areas where ODU has struggled. The question is simple: **Has this season gone off the rails — or can Old Dominion finally find something positive to build on?** We’ll be watching together Saturday at Afterglow Brewing. Come hang out with The Monarchists and other ODU fans for the game. Drop your thoughts below. What needs to change first for Old Dominion to turn this season around? 👑 Go Monarchs. **This episode is sponsored by Brandon Johnson State Farm.** For your insurance and financial needs, call **757-264-6267** or visit **brandonjohnsonagency.com**. #ODUFootball #OldDominion #AppState #SunBeltFootball #CollegeFootball #TheMonarchists Chapters 00:00 A Tough Monday for Monarch Nation 01:00 Georgia State Dominates ODU 02:00 Devin Roche Provides the Lone Spark 04:00 Has Everything Snowballed Since ECU? 06:00 Credit to Georgia State 08:00 Fan Question: Why Is ODU Getting Worse? 10:00 The Offense Is Affecting the Defense 13:00 ODU Has Lost Its Running Identity 14:00 What Happened to the Wide Splits? 16:00 Monarch Nation Is Frustrated 18:00 Can the Offense Even Be Fixed? 20:00 Are We Getting 2019 Vibes? 22:00 Leadership Becomes Critical 24:00 How Much Harder Is the Climb Now? 26:00 Breaking Down the Offensive Line 31:00 When Do You Change the Starting Five? 33:00 The Quarterback Conundrum 35:00 Brandon Johnson State Farm 36:00 App State Preview 38:00 App State’s Passing Attack 40:00 Malachi Singleton Is Dangerous 41:00 App State Players to Watch 43:00 Is This Season Off the Rails? 46:00 How Does ODU Beat the Pressure? 48:00 ODU Needs Explosive Plays 50:00 Why Fans Should Stay Engaged 53:00 Is There Still a Path Back? 55:00 Appreciating the Veteran Monarchs 57:00 Basketball & Soccer Updates 1:01:00 Final Thoughts

See All (286)

4.6
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

The Monarchists, Mike and Aaron, sit down with Old Dominion University (ODU) alums, athletes and coaches (current and former) to discuss the school, their experiences and how their lives have been impacted by the school and their athletic programs.

Information

  • Creator
    The Monarchists
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    286
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The Monarchists
  • Show Website
    The Monarchists

You Might Also Like