Monmouth football 2026 preview, roster breakdown, season prediction

WEST LONG BRANCH -- There was theme among the songs that blared through the speakers at Kessler Stadium as Monmouth football practice got started Tuesday morning: Tennessee.

The Osborne Brothers' classic rendition of Rocky Top was the soundtrack for the opening stretches. It's a reminder that this is no longer training camp, it's game week. There are just a few days until No. 23 Monmouth will travel to Cookeville to take on No. 15 Tennessee Tech in a rare season-opening matchup of top 25 teams in the FCS. And the Hawks didn't waste anytime beginning to attack that challenge, going straight from stretch lines to 11-on-11 reps of hurry-up offense.

"It's a group that's got something to prove," Monmouth head coach Jeff Gallo said. "This team has something to prove as a collective unit. It's got talent, it's got ability, but it's about our ability every day to keep elevating the standard of our program and push that championship level on a daily basis."

No. 23 Monmouth football vs. No. 15 Tennessee Tech in Week 0: preview

The Hawks' first matchup is a chance to prove that they are at that championship level—or that more work is needed to reach it. Monmouth is on the national radar once again with a preseason top 25 ranking, but that could quickly slip away with a loss, or surge dramatically with a win.

After previewing the matchup with Tennessee Tech, it's now time to set the table for the Hawks' 2026 season as a whole. And that starts by looking back at the preseason epilogue to the many chapters of the regular season. With a wealth of experience as an offensive coordinator and an organized succession plan, Gallo was able to hit the ground running as a first-year head coach.

"You're constantly learning in any position you're at," Gallo said. "So you're setting a schedule, it's all new to you (as a head coach). Even if some of the things were the same as you did in the past, it's doing new things with people I know. And I was actually reflecting on it yesterday, wow, the second time through I'll already have the layout of how exactly I want to do it, and I can continue to make small adjustments and fine tunes."

It's those types of small revelations that feel thematic for this year's Monmouth football team. It's not entirely new for many of the core players, but the scale is undeniably larger. There are realizations and learning moments along the way that, combined with prior experience, could be the perfect formula to keep the team on a steady growth trajectory throughout the year.

Senior Gavin Nelson is one of several players that further encapsulates the fascinating middle ground between fresh novelty and veteran experience. He exploded in last year's season opener against Colgate with a career-high 176 receiving yards and three touchdowns, but Monmouth's deep receiving room meant a rotation of standout performances. Now in his final season, Nelson is ready to lead the room as a captain and preseason All-CAA selection.

"It's just the work you put in day-by-day when no one's watching," Nelson said. "The more work you do, it's just going to show out on Saturdays."

The element that could push this group over the top is motivation, and there's no shortage of source material. Monmouth finished 23rd in the country last season after a home upset loss to Albany derailed the team's playoff hopes.

"This team is hungrier than last year's team cause we fell short of the playoffs" Nelson said. "This team is more hungry and we've got a lot to prove this year."

It isn't just the anger and frustration of last year that is driving the Hawks, it is also love and loss. In the wake of first-year defensive coordinator Louis DiRienzo Jr.'s sudden death at 34 in late June, the team is embracing the stakes that come with a deep motivation to honor the coach who laid the foundation for an emerging defensive turnaround.

"We have a whole other purpose now. We're trying to really use the season to honor coach Louis D and rally together," Gallo said. "That's another big part of this: guys tightening this team and putting it together to honor what great coach and person he was."

It's a reminder of the humanity of a sport that is so often easily quantified into X's and O's. Those elements are worth analyzing and will be discussed in detail in this season preview. But Monmouth's key to success this fall goes beyond the schemes conjured up and the athletes that execute them on the gridiron. It's appropriate that this year's team is shaping up to be less star-driven and more depth-driven in 2026.

"This will be a hard-working team," Gallo said. "It might not be as flashy at times, but it's talented. It's gonna come from different places. I want our identity to be the toughest, tightest team in the country."

1. Frankie Weaver, R-So.

2. Brad Seiss, R-Fr.

To be clear, Gallo has not named a starter and that may be a bit of gamesmanship that could go right up until gametime against Tennessee Tech, which has also not named a starting quarterback. But Weaver has steadily seen an increase in his share of practice reps and looks settled in with more consistency in his play. That being said, Seiss is always showing flashes like he did with deep touchdown throw on a corner route on Tuesday. With a top 25 matchup to open the season, it make sense to lean into the stability and experience of Weaver.

1. Elijah Jennings, R-So.

2. Kenny Smith, R-Fr.

3. Nazir Treadwell, R-So.

These positional breakdowns won't be as in-depth as the estimated depth chart from earlier this month, but some groups do require more context. One of the bigger changes between this year's team and last year's team is the committee approach to how the running backs will be utilized. In 2025, Rodney Nelson essentially accounted for around 75% of the team's rushing offense (while trying to exclude quarterback sacks which count towards the totals), but the Hawks will be more balanced with a stable of capable options in the backfield.

Jennings and Smith are poised to be the top two options, but it appears both Treadwell and Greg Randall will be in the mix in certain situations and offensive packages. The 6-foot-1 and 225-pound Treadwell will mark the return of Monmouth's signature power compliment that had been a staple of past teams. Randall has been one of the underrated stories of camp, carving out a role as a well-rounded back that is a capable runner but an exceptional receiver and pass blocker.

WR1:

1. Gavin Nelson, R-Sr.

2. Caleb Newsome, R-So.

WR2:

1. Tra Neal, R-Jr.

2. Kendall Dorsey, R-Fr.

WR3:

1. Christian Harrison, Jr.

2. Keshawn Mister, R-So.

This is the first positional group that requires a bit more contextualizing in terms of the layout on the depth chart. The two proven returners from last year, Nelson (514 receiving yards with six touchdowns) and Neal (427 yards with seven touchdowns) appear firmly entrenched as the top two options. Harrison has separated himself with an outstanding camp and seems to be the clear third option, but that spot can be rotated in any number of ways with Newsome, Mister and Dorsey. It's also worth noting that when Nelson and Neal were at times limited in practice in the spring and fall, it was Harrison that usually stepped in.

1. Marcus Middleton, R-Jr.

2. Greg Genross, Gr.

3. Shane Garrett, R-Jr.

After increasingly utilizing the wrinkle last year, Monmouth will not be shying away from 12 personnel (one back and two tight ends) this fall. Middleton is preseason All-CAA honoree that is the team's obvious candidate to be a breakout star after modest production behind Jack Neri last year. What's really exciting is the team's rapid introduction of Greg Genross, a transfer from West Virginia. The 6-foot-7 pass catcher is a startling presence on the field and gives the team flexibility as he can line up out wide as an "F" or as an in-line tight end. Garrett is the classic "H" type that is reliable as a blocker and pass catcher, so he should see plenty of playing time as well.

LT:

1. Matt Fries, R-Sr.

2. Moses Gakodi, R-So.

LG:

1. Colin Goetter, R-So.

2. Bleek Turner, R-Fr.

C:

1. Kevin Shriner, R-Sr.

2. Alec Grijalva, R-Sr.

RG:

1. Michael Petito, R-Jr.

2. Reed Collins, Gr.

RT:

1. Josh Duran, R-Jr.

2. Brady O'Hara, R-Fr.

The offensive line experienced turnover at both tackle spots and both guard spots, but it's been a pretty steady top group from the spring into the fall. Fries and Duran have a lot of upside as a more athletic pairing at left and right tackle, respectively. Shriner is the lone returning starter at center, but Petito also brings a good amount of game experience at right guard. Goetter is the breakthrough performer of the group after a strong spring and fall. The key caveat with the presentation of the depth chart is that Reed Collins, a graduate transfer from Lafayette, will be the team's sixth offensive lineman and the sort of universal backup because of his versatility. He can line up at guard or tackle, and has the experience to potentially even push for a starter role as the season unfolds.

DE1:

1. Hunter Watson, R-So.

2. Sebastien Acheampong, R-So.

3. Jahide Lesaine, R-So.

DT1:

1. Bryce Rooks, R-Sr.

2. Keisean Johnson-Wilson, Gr.

DT2:

1. JJ Lewis, Sr.

2. Brendan Bigos, R-Sr.

DE2:

1. Mounir Keshen, So.

2. Jake Davis, Gr.

3. Donovan Dyson, R-Jr.

The defensive line might require the most explanation of any group. There's stability at the top as Watson and Rooks are two staples that lead the way, but there is going to be variety of different combinations deployed across the front. Lewis, Bigos and Johnson-Wilson are top of the rotation at defensive tackle. Acheampong is a player who can line up inside or outside.

The collection of edge rushers is one of the team's most intriguing storylines. Keshen has fully transitioned from linebacker to edge, which is understandable after he starred in the spring showcase. Former Wall standout Jake Davis, a transfer from Penn, is another reliable and experienced presence that is well-rounded as a run defender and pass rusher. That leaves Dyson and Lesaine, who have as much upside as anyone on the defensive line. They're both FBS transfers (Dyson from UMass and Lesaine from Syracuse) with incredible athleticism, but have been hampered by injury.

This group is one of the key inflection points on the roster. If the edges in particular thrive, Monmouth could make another leap forward on defense.

LB1:

1. Spencer Kishbaugh, R-Jr.

2. Charlie Sasso, R-Sr.

LB2:

1. Ryan Russo, R-Sr.

2. Ryan Alexander, R-Jr.

HYBRID:

1. Hasson Manning, Sr.

2. Destin Hill, R-So.

The "traditional" linebacker positions are set. Kishbaugh, Russo and Sasso are the top rotating pieces (although Alexander has been making strides). Kishbaugh is probably the biggest staple of the group as a stalwart against the run and the pass, so he will be a cornerstone presence in the middle even on subpackages.

The hybrid position known last year as "Viper" with Justin Bennin in the role has evolved slightly, but will still be a box safety position fundamentally. Delaware transfer Hasson Manning has stepped into that role and for good reason given he appeared in every game over his career with the Blue Hens, including nine starts in 2024.

Boundary:

1. Christian Palmer, So.

2. Zac Ricci, R-Jr.

Field:

1. Elijah Mathis, R-Fr.

2. Mir Haskett, R-So.

Palmer returns after arguably being the team's best corner as a true freshman last season, although he's likely to step into the "boundary" role with less safety help as the team's top cover guy. Opposite him is an intriguing ongoing battle that still doesn't appear to be totally settled. Mathis is a massive 6-foot-4 corner that would give the Hawks an imposing pair of cover guys on the perimeter, but Haskett is more experienced with two starts at Richmond last year and brings a different type of physicality as an exceptional tackler. Along with edge rusher, this is one of the most intriguing positions to monitor early in the season.

SS:

1. Jaeden Jones, Jr.

2. Alexander Williams, Fr.

FS:

1. Donovan Fey, R-Jr.

2. Jaiden McLendon Parker, Jr.

There's not a lot to rehash with these last two spots on defense. Jones was an All-American as a sophomore and is the preseason CAA defensive player of the year. Fey has been a breakout performer in fall camp and quickly seized the spot opposite Jones. One note is that the safeties are shifted around a lot, but it does seem like Fey operates a little more at high safety with his length at 6-foot-2 being a valuable asset.

K:

1. Sky Sholder, R-So.

2. Josh Graham, Fr.

P:

1. Luke Schabel, R-Sr.

2. Byron McCann, R-Fr.

LS:

1. Payton Wieczerzak, R-So.

2. Ryan Cavallo, Fr.

There's actually a bit to discuss here. Schabel returns as punter and would have ranked 40th in the FCS with his average of 41.8 yards per punt, but Monmouth only punted 25 times last year so he didn't chart on the NCAA's official stats. But kicker is naturally the most intriguing spot. Both Sholder and Graham have looked like an improvement at the position and there's a slight edge to the transfer from Delaware, but there's a battle brewing. Graham has looked comfortable with field goals up to 50 yards.

*conference games are in bold

Aug. 29: at Tennessee Tech - 7 p.m. EST - ESPN+

Sept. 5: vs. Sacred Heart - 2 p.m. - FloSports

Sept. 12: at Western Michigan - 6:30 p.m. - ESPN+

Sept. 19: at Albany - 3:30 p.m. - FloSports

Sept. 26: at Dartmouth - 1 p.m. - ESPN+

Oct. 3: vs. Towson - 1 p.m. - FloSports

Oct. 17: at New Hampshire - 1 p.m. - FloSports

Oct. 24: at Hampton - 2 p.m. - FloSports

Oct. 31: vs. Bryant - 12 p.m. - FloSports

Nov. 7: vs. North Carolina A&T - 12 p.m. - FloSports

Nov. 14: vs. Merrimack - 12 p.m. - FloSports

Nov. 21: at Campbell - 12 p.m. - FloSports

Hardest games: Tennessee Tech, Sacred Heart, Western Michigan, Dartmouth, New Hampshire

It's certainly not a hot take to project a repeat of last year's record, but crucially Monmouth's non-conference slate should provide a boost and this projects that the Hawks go 7-1 and are in the FCS playoff conversation once again with better chances.

This is still more of an approximation than a game-by-game prediction, but Monmouth has a favorable conference schedule. A rough estimate of results is that between the Hawks' toughest non-conference games against Tennessee Tech, Western Michigan, and Dartmouth, they get at least one win. Admittedly, that is pretty optimistic. It's difficult to be on the road in four of the first five games.

Even presuming two losses out of those three, it's hard to envision two losses in conference play. But where it swings is the home opener against Sacred Heart, a team that should not be underestimated although it's the Pioneers first year in the CAA. They went 8-4 in 2025 and prepared themselves for the challenging transition with games against playoff teams Lehigh, Montana and Villanova.

New Hampshire is the other obvious tough conference foe after the Wildcats toppled Monmouth at home and reached the FCS playoffs at the Hawks' expense. But UNH lost its head coach and quarterback plus a lot of other key contributors from that team that went 8-5.

Those are the swing games, but now comes the good news for Monmouth fans. The other seven teams on the schedule had a combined record of 21-63 last season. Only 6-6 Towson didn't have a losing record, and Albany infamously upset Monmouth in the season finale. Obviously those two represent the potential for trap games, but the Hawks have a path to the FCS playoffs if they can live up to their potential this fall.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth football 2026 preview, roster breakdown, season prediction