🏈 Rowan Football: 2025 Season Recap (8-2-1)

The 2025 Rowan football season was defined by an elite, high-scoring offense that steamrolled non-conference and bottom-tier NJAC opponents, coupled with a defense that stepped up in the biggest moments against the top teams.

Season Highlights
- Dominant Offense: Rowan's offense was among the nation's best in Division III, averaging over 41 points per game and 440.5 yards of total offense.
- NJAC Performance: The Profs finished 5-2 in the highly competitive NJAC, with their two losses coming against the conference's best—eventual NJAC Champion Christopher Newport and 9-1 Salisbury.
- The ECAC Bushnell Bowl Victory (26-20 over Utica): The victory over the 8-2 Utica Pioneers was the capstone of the season. Rowan's game plan to win with the ground game and disruptive defense succeeded, with the team rushing for 230 yards and the defense sealing the game with a late turnover on downs.

Key Moments & Stats
Final Record 8-2-1 (5-2 NJAC) Program's best record in years, finishing on a 4-game win streak. Points Per Game 41.2
The cornerstone of the season; one of the highest scoring teams in the region. Rushing Defense 94.0 YPG Allowed The defensive foundation; Rowan consistently shut down opponents' ground games.
ECAC Bowl MVP Nunes Bukula IV Highlighted the running game's dominance in the postseason title win.Turnovers+6 (approx.)A decisive factor in numerous close wins throughout the year.

⭐ Star Players and Major Award Winners
The 2025 roster was anchored by a mix of veteran playmakers who earned All-Conference honors and dynamic young players who stepped into leadership roles.

🥇 Offensive Leaders
Nunes Bukula IV Running Back ECAC Bushnell Bowl MVP (118 Rushing Yds, 1 TD); First Team All-NJAC; 10 Rushing TDs.The primary threat and closer. Dominated the Bowl game with 9.1 YPC.

Nate Maiers Quarterback Second Team All-NJAC; 2,104 Passing Yds; 20 TDs; 64.89% Completion. The primary passer and field general who led the aerial assault.

Tyshawn Bookman Running Back 536 Rushing Yds (5.4 YPC); 5 TDs; Scored a TD in the Bowl game. The secondary back who provided the big-play speed in the ground attack.

Shane Martin Wide Receiver The deep threat, demonstrated by his 75-yard TD reception in the Bowl game.A critical explosive element who stretched the field for the entire offense.

Matt Welsey Quarterback The dual-threat QB who seamlessly split time with Maiers, providing a different look, and threw the 75-yard TD in the Bowl. The effective change-of-pace QB who provided crucial playmaking ability.

🛡� Defensive and Special Teams Leaders
Anthony Henriquez Linebacker NJAC Defensive Player of the Year; First Team All-NJAC; Team leader in tackles and disruption. The undisputed heart and soul of the defense, earning the conference's top defensive award.

Giaini Derameaux Defensive Line First Team All-NJAC. Provided crucial pressure and run-stopping ability up front, allowing the linebackers to make plays.

Jaeden Everett Cornerback NJAC Defensive Rookie of the Year. A sensational true freshman who made an immediate impact in the secondary.

AJ Ryker Linebacker/DB Led the team in TFLs and recorded a key interception in the Bowl game. The versatile playmaker whose impact was critical in the clutch, high-leverage situations.

Greg Casimir Kicker Hit two long field goals (40 and 44 yards) in the Bowl victory. Provided reliable points and exceptional range for the special teams unit all season.

The Bowl Game Decoded: Rowan's Victory
The 26-20 victory over Utica was an offensive showcase for Rowan's running back duo, combined with an outstanding defensive effort.
Rowan's Game Plan Success: The Profs achieved their blueprint for victory by leaning heavily on the run. Bukula IV and Bookman combined for 196 rushing yards, physically dominating the Pioneers' defensive front and controlling the clock when they had the ball.
The Big Play: Rowan's ability to create instant offense was vital, highlighted by Matt Welsey's 75-yard touchdown pass to Shane Martin early in the third quarter that provided a commanding 26-7 lead.
The Final Stand: The prediction of a late defensive stand came true. Despite Utica's star QB, Tyler Szalkowski, throwing for 357 yards and leading a fierce comeback, the Rowan defense, anchored by AJ Ryker's interception and a 4th-and-long stop in the final seconds, secured the 26-20 win and the Asa S. Bushnell Bowl title.

The 2025 season will be remembered as the year Rowan returned to prominence, capping a stellar run with a major postseason trophy.

I echo CNU85, nicely said, and congrats to the teams that are practicing and preparing another week - priceless!

Can't wait to see Prof Football on Saturday!

Quote from: CNU85 on November 09, 2025, 07:19:01 AMWow! What a game!

If you would have told me Barry gains more yards on the ground than McGowan, I would not have believed it.

I'm not sure why SU attempted 2 on the final TD with 19 seconds left. There was no upside to that, at all.  Had SU recovered the onside kick and kicked a FG, the game would have gone to OT. Had  they kicked the PAT and then get the onsides and managed a FG, they win the NJAC. Baffling decision.

Kudos to CNU, I had a feeling CNU would win if it turned into a shoot out

Great win by the Profs, thank you Seniors.

Onto Kean!

No rumblings from what I know, unless the new AD has floated the idea

Rowan did evaluate the idea a few years back (D1 basketball was the more realistic route), but I think the idea was squashed

Overall, just good marketing that people are even talking about is my take on it

Quote from: MRMIKESMITH on October 26, 2025, 07:10:06 PMSalisbury took care of business this weekend against a very good Rowan team at what I believe was their homecoming. It was a hard fought game that went to final minute. Hats off to Rowan, they threw the kitchen sink at Salisbury. I also believe Rowan should be getting votes in the Top 25, especially considering the score differential. Now back to the game, Rowan came out very inspired and was very prepared to stop Salisbury rushing attack. However, kudos to Salisbury offensive coordinator, his play calling at crucial moments were spectacular, Salisbury had more passing yards than rushing. Kudos to the WRs/Rbs and QB for executing the pass plays. Rowan did make some timely defensive plays with strip as Salisbury was driving to score and a key pick-6 after their offense had fumbled in the Redzone. I do think Salisbury shot itself in the foot with untimely penalties that either kept Rowan drives alive or stalled the offense. I think Salisbury proved that through some adversity playing on the road for a Top 25 team homecoming and overcoming some disastrous turnovers that they are turning the corner. Defensively, Salisbury has to figure out 3rd and long, but they fought hard as Rowan ran every formation in Madden. Salisbury had some great punts and the fg kicker made a fg late that would be the game winner. Kudos to the players, staff, and support for a good win. There are some things they'll learn that will hopefully prepare them for the weeks to come.

Circling back to Top 25, Salisbury flipped with Bethel. Not sure why? Rowan IS a Top 25 team. I think that tie is really hurting them. Case is also a solid team as well and still in the hunt for the PAC title and can prove it over the next 3 weeks.

It wasn't homecoming, homecoming was against Willy P.

Another heart breaker for the Profs - a winnable game indeed.  Game was off to a tough start when the Gulls were awarded a first down on a weak Pass Interference call, when the ball was 10 yards over the WR. That lead to the Gulls first TD.
Rowan made some mistakes.. a dropped TD pass, the fumbled punt return, even the onside kick recovery (which the refs called back via penalty).
In order for Rowan to win, they would have had to stop the big plays, and Salisbury had them in the bag all day long.
Onto the next! 

Quote from: CNU85 on October 04, 2025, 07:30:54 PMWow. I listened to the game while driving on vacation- eventually will end up in Vermont for the game next week.

Can't wait to see stats and write ups. CNU could have cashed it in numerous times but they kept fighting.

This game final did not sit well with me, I watched from the stands. So many questionable calls by the refs marred the game. The dagger was the Questionable Pass Interference call on 4th down to give CNU the opportunity to tie the game. Rowan should have won this game IMO, and I'll die on that hill.
Also a bit disappointing to see how the CNU players were celebrating after the win, rather foolish and immature, didn't expect that from CNU
While on one hand, it was great to see Rowan go toe-to-toe with an ultra talented CNU program, Rowan's shot at the NJAC title is just about zilch now

Quote from: CNU85 on September 27, 2025, 04:00:11 PMCNU holds Susquehanna to 65 yards rushing in 31 attempts.

CNU QB 17-30 374 yards with 3 TDs to 3 diff receivers. Now 13 TDs and 1 INT this season.

Congratulations CNU! Massive victory

How was the weather at the game?  I saw a lot of rain for the little bit that I watched

Quote from: unionpalooza on September 19, 2025, 01:48:49 PM

Quote from: RowanPhan on September 19, 2025, 12:43:47 PM

Quote from: ADL70 on September 17, 2025, 11:26:50 AMSix players from week 1's 2-deep are not on week 3's. 3 FY are now on the 2-Deep, a starter at ILB and both back-up CBs.

I must admit, the game notes your SID shares are top class. 

The death of real game notes and two-deeps in D3 is sad. 

It really is, and now there really isn't an excuse because AI can type up a ton of relevant content, formats, and graphics.

Quote from: ADL70 on September 17, 2025, 11:26:50 AMSix players from week 1's 2-deep are not on week 3's. 3 FY are now on the 2-Deep, a starter at ILB and both back-up CBs.

I must admit, the game notes your SID shares are top class. 

Quote from: goroprofs on September 13, 2025, 07:26:30 PMRowan setting a school record with 56-0 over Moravian today. Bookman and Ford both rush for 100+, Maiers 13/16 239 4TD.

After last week, we'll take it.

Welcome! Always great to see another Rowan fan on the boards!

Quote from: CNU85 on September 13, 2025, 06:11:09 PMGunner White stats.

Rushing. 6-47 and 1 TD
Receiving 7-70 3TD

Connor Barry does it again at QB. 21-28 276 yds 4 TDs. That gives him 9 TDs and no picks in 2 games.he also had 40 yards rushing today on 4 carries. 

Season stats after week 2 for Connor Barry. 35-45-0 547 yds. 9 TDS.
Last year he had 15 TDs all year and only 2 picks.

CNU85,  your captains are off to a good start

Quote from: CNU85 on September 11, 2025, 12:14:45 PMWhat happens if they can't agree on a final score?

Frank Rossi (In the d3 Huddle) had a really good analysis of the situation and rules.

I'm curious if schools have any flexibility with start times to try to avoid such situations.. for example, if the weather report clearly showed thunderstorms around game time, would it not be a good option to pull up the start time by 1 or 2 hours? I know it's easier said than done, but 1 or 2 hours could have saved this game

https://x.com/FrankRossi/status/1964513790034153805

Quote from: ADL70 on September 10, 2025, 01:57:14 PM

Quote from: MRMIKESMITH on September 07, 2025, 09:54:00 PMReally feel bad for Rowan, I felt that they were on their way to winning.

Seriously, subtract the 75 yd TD  pass on the second play of the game and their offense was ineffective, averaging only 2yds per rush. Their two 3rd quarter drives were 3 plays, 2 yds and 3 plays -11.The second "drive" started from the CWRU 5 and only yielded a FG. Meanwhile CWRU was averaging 5.1 yds per rush.BTW, if any Rowan folks have any influence with the live stream, the announcers talked through the band playing the national anthem, not good.

Were you watching on the live stream? Maybe difficult to tell how rough the conditions were. I was in the stands, it was a very windy/wet afternoon. I would add Rowan's top WR didn't play which made room for 2 freshman to play, one dropped a wide-open pass on 3rd down that would have been a long gain. On the short "drive", the QB dropped the ball likely due to the wet conditions and the TE target was wide open.
Plenty of room for improvement on the offensive side.
Wishing CWRU all the best the remainder of the season.

Anticlimactic start for the Profs in week one.  The game went into weather delays due to thunderstorms in the area. Rowan was leading 17-14 late in the 3rd, very close game but Rowan was gaining momentum after a 90+yard fumble return TD and then a blocked Punt.
Fingers crossed for better weather next weekend