Head Coach Tom Herman Reveals Florida Atlantic's Starting Quarterback

Head coach Tom Herman and the Florida Atlantic Owls have found their starting quarterback to begin the 2024 season, which will be Cam Fancher.

Fancher wins the starting job after an entertaining battle with fellow teammates Tyriq Starks and Colorado transfer Kasen Weisman. Having transferred from Marshall to FAU last December, Fancher had the time to adapt to his new surroundings throughout the spring and summer as he got more familiar with the Owls' style of play.

FAU Owls Nest first reported the news of Herman naming Fancher as the team's starting quarterback on Tuesday. He explained the reasoning behind the decision, basing it on the strong consistency Fancher has displayed since he joined the program.

“I don't see that changing (Fancher starting) between now and next Friday," Herman said. "Tyriq has had a really good three weeks, and it's certainly no knock on him and his performance; just Cam has had a really good spring, had a really good summer, and has had a really good three weeks of camp, and he just hasn't done anything really to let go of that spot. It’s critical now that we get the timing."

Fancher played three seasons with the Thundering Herd before joining the Owls. In 25 career games, he threw for 3,766 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions, with a completion rate of 61%. He also rushed for 757 yards and five touchdowns on 232 carries.

2023 was Fancher's most active year as a passer, achieving career-highs in passing yards with 2,162 and touchdowns with 11. His interceptions also increased, reaching 11 as well.

Herman described Fancher as soft-spoken and a player who does everything right, getting confirmation from the team's strength and conditioning coach, Joey Guarascio.

"He certainly leads by example, so much so I asked our Strength Coach ‘What am I missing?’ I love the kid. I'm excited to go do battle with him, but I just didn't think he had that so quickly. And Joey (FAU strength Coach) said coach, ‘There's a lot of stuff he does that you don't see’, and that's a big compliment to him...that means he's doing a lot behind the scenes that has really captured the hearts and minds of a lot of this team," Herman said.

FAU's first year under Herman was up and down, mainly due to injuries. They were especially battered in their secondary, at running back, and quarterback. Casey Thompson, the original starter, tore his ACL in Week 3 against Clemson as Daniel Richardson started for the remainder of the season.

Despite being 4-4 after winning three of their last four games, the Owls were unable to win a game in November, losing four straight to close out 2023 with a 4-8 record. Both Thompson and Richardson have since departed for Oklahoma and FAMU, respectively.

With their roster heavily retooled, the Owls look to start anew for the 2024 campaign as they play on the road against Michigan State on Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.

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