the midseason watch list for the Davey O'Brien Award. Ahlers started the season off going 22 of 40 for 295 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception against Appalachian State as they lost 19–33 to the Mountaineers. After going up 14–0 against South Carolina, a 65-yard pick 6 thrown by Ahlers brought the Gamecocks back into the game with a minute left in the first half. In the second half the offense could only manage a field goal which lead to the 17–20 loss. In the rivalry game against Marshall, East Carolina got their first win of the season. He threw for 368 yards and two touchdowns while also scoring another touchdown with his legs. The Pirates bested the Thundering Herd 42–38. After winning back-to-back against Charleston Southern and a 52-point performance against Tulane, East Carolina dropped back-to-back games against UCF and Houston. Against Houston, Ahlers and the Cougars were tied heading into overtime. In overtime, Houston scored first and East Carolina would get the opportunity to match, but a fumble caused on the second offensive play for the Pirates caused them to lose in heart-breaking fashion. The team would then win four-straight games. Against South Florida, Ahlers threw for four touchdowns and against Navy he threw three before struggling against Memphis despite the win with two interceptions. He would bounce back against Temple and have another three touchdown performance. He would be bested once again by Ridder and Cincinnati as they lost their last regular season game 13–35. The team finished the season with a 7–5 record, their best with Ahlers under center, and earned a bid in the Military Bowl against Boston College. The game was ultimately canceled due to COVID-19. 2022 In 2022, Ahlers started all thirteen games leading the Pirates to a career-best eight wins and their first bowl win since 2014. Prior to the season he was once again named to the Wuerffel Trophy watch list, but was also on the watch list for the Golden Arm Award, Davey O'Brien Award, and the Reese's Senior Bowl. For the third-straight year he was named Fourth-Team Preseason All-AAC team by Athlon Sports. He finished his career as the lone active quarterback with 13,000 career passing yards. In the season-opener, Ahlers could not get over the hump of No. 13 NC State as he threw two interceptions and two touchdowns in a narrow 20–21 loss. With five seconds left,