Monmouth Football: 2025 Game-By-Game Schedule Predictions

Monmouth football enters the 2025 season with quiet confidence and a schedule that could cause a flurry of predictions – both good and bad. After a rollercoaster 2024 campaign, the Hawks return a seasoned core and face a slate that blends FBS challenges, ranked CAA contenders, and pivotal road tests. With playoff aspirations in sight and momentum building in West Long Branch, each matchup carries weight and potential.

Here’s a game-by-game breakdown of how Monmouth could navigate the path to a 9–3 finish and a postseason berth.

Monmouth Football: 2025 Game-By-Game Schedule Predictions

August 29: at Colgate Raiders

Week 1 for Monmouth’s football season opener is against a Patriot League squad that struggled defensively in 2024. Expect quarterback Derek Robertson to light it up early and continue his strong performance from 2024.

Prediction: Win (1-0)

September 6: at Fordham Rams

Fordham’s offense can score, but their secondary is vulnerable. Monmouth’s wide receiver corps should have no problem besting the Rams, even on their own turf. Last season was a blowout (63-21), and Hawks fans should expect that once again this year.

Prediction: Win (2-0)

September 13: at Charlotte 49ers (FBS)

This is the first FBS road test for the Hawks. Charlotte’s size and depth up front could wear down Monmouth late. However, this is a game that should stay competitive. While Monmouth upset the FIU Panthers last year, they may not have enough firepower to keep up with Charlotte in 2025.

Prediction: Loss (2-1)

September 20: vs. No. 13 Villanova Wildcats

Villanova’s defense is elite. Robertson will need to be sharp as a passer, and limit mistakes on offense. This could be a playoff-style battle in the FCS. Also, this matchup can have potential CAA title implications, too. While it should be a close game, Villanova has the edge right now.

Prediction: Loss (2-2)

October 4: vs. Delaware State Hornets

This is a bounce-back week for the Hawks. Expect a blowout with Monmouth’s offense clicking and the defense forcing multiple turnovers. Despite Desean Jackson heading the opposing sideline, he won’t have his football team ready for Monmouth this early in the year.

Prediction: Win (3-2)

October 11: at Towson Tigers

This is a trap game for Monmouth football. Towson’s revamped run game and home-field edge make this a nail-biter. With a loss, this matchup can be a pivotal conference tilt.

Prediction: Loss (3-3)

October 18: vs. No. 24 Stony Brook

This game is homecoming for the Hawks. Stony Brook’s defense is solid, but Monmouth’s tempo and spacing win out in this game. Expect a great performance from Robertson in this matchup.

Prediction: Win (4-3)

October 25: at Hampton Pirates

Hampton’s offense is explosive, and may be able to put up points. However, Monmouth’s secondary depth should hold up and lead the Hawks to victory.

Prediction: Win (5-3)

November 1: at Bryant Bulldogs

Bryant’s front seven is physical, and could limit what the Hawks want to do on the ground. However, Monmouth’s balance and play-action game will be the difference. Expect the Hawks to pull out with a victory in this 2025 matchup.

Prediction: Win (6-3)

November 8: vs. New Hampshire Wildcats

This game is on Heroes Day for Monmouth football. New Hampshire is gritty, but Robertson’s poise and late-game execution shine will carry the Hawks to a win. At this point in the season, Monmouth’s football team should be humming.

Prediction: Win (7-3)

November 15: at North Carolina A&T Aggies

NC A&T is a rebuilding program with a lot to prove. Expect Monmouth’s defense to dominate and the offense to roll big.

Prediction: Win (8-3)

November 22: vs. UAlbany Great Danes

Senior Day for the Hawks. Defensively, Monmouth will need to stop Griffin Woodell and the Great Danes’ rushing attack. Meanwhile, UAlbany’s pass rush will test Monmouth’s offensive line. Yet, fans should expect Robertson to cap the regular season with a statement win and playoff berth.

Prediction: Win (9-3)

Monmouth Football: Final Thoughts and Predictions on the 2025 Schedule

Monmouth’s 2025 schedule features a brutal midseason slate from Weeks 3 to 6. That includes road trips to Charlotte (FBS) and Towson, plus a home showdown with No. 13 Villanova. All of these games are projected losses so far, but each could be decided by six points or fewer. That stretch could define their ceiling, but the Hawks are built to rebound.

Monmouth is forecasted to close the season with six straight wins, including huge victories over Stony Brook and New Hampshire. These victories should position themselves for a potential 9–3 (6-2 in CAA) finish in the regular season. With a top-25 victory and a strong conference record, Monmouth would be firmly in the mix for a first-round FCS playoff berth.

Monmouth football enters 2025 ranked No. 21 nationally, with the second-best preseason projection in the CAA. If the defense holds up and quarterback Derek Robertson continues his strong performance from 2024, this team could not only make the FCS playoffs but also contend.

Offensive Firepower

Derek Robertson is the undeniable centerpiece of this offense. The quarterback is coming off a monster season with 3937 passing yards and 31 touchdowns, good for No. 3 all-time in CAA single-season history. He’ll have continuity on his side, with all five of his top targets returning.

Josh Derry (917 yards, five touchdowns) and TJ Speight (896 yards, five touchdowns) provide reliable production, while Tra Neal emerged as a red-zone weapon with seven touchdowns as a freshman. Gavin Nelson stretches defenses with his explosive 18.3 yards per catch, and tight end Jack Neri adds security and scoring with five touchdowns of his own.

Complementing the aerial attack is running back Rodney Nelson, who racked up 809 yards and six scores last season, anchoring a balanced and potent ground game.

Defensive Reinforcement

Monmouth’s defense enters 2025 with a reloaded and experienced secondary, headlined by returning standouts Deuce Lee, Justin Bennin, and Israel Clark-White. Linebacker Charlie Sasso returns to full health, anchoring the second level alongside a trio of transfer additions from Coastal Carolina, Towson, and Rutgers, each expected to bring speed and versatility.

While the defensive line remains the biggest question mark, the staff has addressed depth concerns through the portal, aiming to stabilize the front and complement a back seven loaded with proven playmakers.