2 weeks until Camp kickoff. I asked gemeni to pull together a preview...

Team-by-Team Breakdown
🏆 The Title Contenders
Salisbury Sea Gulls (#17): Entering the 2026 season ranked inside the top 20, Salisbury remains the standard-bearer for the NJAC. Known for their punishing rushing attack and disciplined defense, the Sea Gulls have a target on their backs. With 237 poll points, national voters expect them to make another deep run, but they will have to navigate a grueling conference slate to secure the automatic bid.

Christopher Newport Captains (#18): Sitting just one spot behind Salisbury in the national polls with 182 points, the Captains are primed to make a major push for the conference crown. The gap between CNU and Salisbury has rarely been narrower, and the eventual late-season clash between these two juggernauts is widely expected to decide the NJAC champion.

🐎 The Dark Horse
Rowan Profs (RV): The Profs are knocking on the door of the Top 25, receiving 11 votes in the preseason media poll. Rowan has the opportunity to make an immediate national statement in Week 1. If they can build momentum early, they possess the talent and grit to disrupt the Salisbury-CNU dominance at the top of the standings.

🛡� The Battle for the Middle
Montclair State Red Hawks: Looking to establish an early rhythm, the Red Hawks will actually kick off the entire NJAC slate on Thursday, September 3, facing off against Merchant Marine at 5:00 PM.

TCNJ Lions: The Lions aim to take a step forward in 2026 and will test their mettle early, opening up at home against Lycoming on September 5.

Kean Cougars: Kean opens its 2026 campaign at home against Morrisville State, hoping to build early non-conference confidence before diving into the unforgiving NJAC gauntlet.

William Paterson Pioneers: Opening their season against Western Connecticut, the Pioneers are looking to climb out of the conference basement and pull off a few stunners against the middle of the pack this fall.

Are there any schools that would be good additions into the NJAC?

Quote from: DagarmanSpartan on May 19, 2026, 12:49:06 PMCWRU's 2026 roster is now posted.

https://athletics.case.edu/sports/football/roster

Large crop of newcomers (39 or so), one of which, as mentioned, is Beltran from Bates, who is penciled in as a "WR."  The kid from Wofford is listed as a TE/HB, and a sophomore.  I assume that if he had the talent to get a I-FCS offer, he should be able to contribute immediately.

Filips and Detillio return as QBs, and there is more than one back up listed, so plenty of depth in that room.

ADL70, any thoughts on who starts on O-line and D-line?

It's impressive that the roster gets posted so early, I won't see the Rowan roster on the website until the day before the first game

Quote from: MRMIKESMITH on May 12, 2026, 09:51:54 AM

Quote from: RowanPhan on May 02, 2026, 02:29:44 PM

Quote from: MRMIKESMITH on April 28, 2026, 11:22:08 AMSalisbury schedule is finally complete with times and places. Non-Con remains the same, not sure this prepares us for a surging Rowan program that appears to be getting better and better. We finish the season against our new Route 13 Rival in CNU. The time of the CNU game is TBA, could be de facto championship game. This year is somewhat an unknown, but as always Salisbury will compete, but will we have the changing playmakers that allows us to get to the Elite 8, only time will tell. Salisbury typically does better when they are somewhat of a dark horse. As I mentioned, I think CNU and Rowan are my preseason favorites. Although Salisbury may have the better QB returning, I think CNU and Salisbury may have to replace some key positions due to graduation and transfer portal.

I am a Rowan grad, but didn't start following the FB team closely until 2016, and I didn't think it would take this long to see the day that Rowan would be a "surging program."  I suspect Rowan will be a better team across the board next season, so it should be a fun season to watch - should be the best group of the past 10 years.

My apologies on the "surging" program. My point is that over the past 4 seasons (including minor setback in 2023), Rowan has been steadily getting back to IMHO a Top 15 team. I have Rowan along with CNU as my preseason #1 & #2 in the NJAC. However, Rowan will have to win on the field, especially the close games against top conference and regional opponents. I think Rowan having an opportunity to participate in ECACs last year against Utica and face some adversity and pull out a good win, sets them up for success. I think the NJAC should have 3 teams in the preseason Top 25, however we need TCNJ and Montclair who were both .500 and above last year to win an extra non-con game or two (both appears to play round robin non-con), I think that will raise the floor of the NJAC, which in essence raises the ceiling for conference as a whole.

No need to apologize! I agree Rowan is surging. I was actually commenting that I didn't think I would see the day that Rowan would get back to this point - Rowan has been climbing up the ladder for years, back when I started following the team that were mainly a .500 team, so seeing them surge to the top of the NJAC or even cracking into the top 25 is amazing to see. I didn't really follow the team in the golden days when Rowan was a top 25 powerhouse, but I'm hopeful that The Brown & Gold Beast of the East is back.

Quote from: MRMIKESMITH on April 28, 2026, 11:22:08 AMSalisbury schedule is finally complete with times and places. Non-Con remains the same, not sure this prepares us for a surging Rowan program that appears to be getting better and better. We finish the season against our new Route 13 Rival in CNU. The time of the CNU game is TBA, could be de facto championship game. This year is somewhat an unknown, but as always Salisbury will compete, but will we have the changing playmakers that allows us to get to the Elite 8, only time will tell. Salisbury typically does better when they are somewhat of a dark horse. As I mentioned, I think CNU and Rowan are my preseason favorites. Although Salisbury may have the better QB returning, I think CNU and Salisbury may have to replace some key positions due to graduation and transfer portal.

I am a Rowan grad, but didn't start following the FB team closely until 2016, and I didn't think it would take this long to see the day that Rowan would be a "surging program."  I suspect Rowan will be a better team across the board next season, so it should be a fun season to watch - should be the best group of the past 10 years.

Quote from: CNU85 on February 06, 2026, 04:10:58 PM2026 CNU Schedule

CNU vs Rowan on Halloween

No rumor, I just think it would be prudent for the conference to stay on top of this, as Pat mentioned above, keeping the head on a swivel

Unless it's better to have 3 OOC games on the schedule in the world of NPI

Quote from: MRMIKESMITH on December 08, 2025, 10:24:52 AMSalisbury still had two timeouts remaining, and that timeout was used simply to ensure players didn't do or say anything foolish. Moving the conversation forward, the NJAC will look very different next year. I think the conference is getting stronger—especially if the New Jersey programs can keep more in-state talent home and if CNU continues to dominate recruiting throughout Virginia.

For Salisbury, the recruiting approach will need to evolve. The program must do a better job tapping into "urban" areas and conferences to bring in tougher, more dynamic athletes. After rewatching the last two playoff games, Salisbury looked too finesse-oriented and, frankly, soft. To close the gap, the team will likely need to lean more heavily on the transfer portal—whether that's players who didn't qualify initially, FCS transfers, or borderline Division II talent—to fill key positional needs, keep the offense explosive, and bring in guys who have that true "dawg" mentality.

Defensively, the secondary needs a full overhaul. They need more athletic (can cover 1 on 1), sound tacklers, and confident players. The scheme itself could use some fine-tuning as well; watching Saturday's game again, there were plays available to be made, and many of the breakdowns were simply skill-related. Even the GR MLB said in the post-game that the defense came out slow and didn't settle in until the third quarter. That can't continue. The DC has to make adjustments earlier—mid-first quarter, not after halftime.

Rowan football will be a contender next year,  majority of the team returns. 

I'm moreso curious to see if the NJAC will add another Football team to the mix.   

🏈 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