Monmouth Football: QB Derek Robertson Poised for a Big Season

As Monmouth football inches toward its 2025 season, senior Derek Robertson will lead the Hawks to high hopes. Robertson transferred to Monmouth from the University of Maine in 2024 and had an impressive debut season, throwing for 3,937 yards and 31 touchdowns. His performance earned him the CAA Offensive Player of the Year award and a finalist spot for the 2024 Walter Payton Award. In January, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound quarterback from Hartsdale, New York, elected to return for his final year of eligibility, solidifying his role as the team’s leader under center.

There isn’t much depth behind Robertson going into the 2025 season. Monmouth’s quarterback depth includes players like Zack Hios (sophomore), Jagger Matera (freshman), and Brad Seiss (freshman), providing a mix of experience and potential for the future. Head coach Kevin Callahan will lean on Robertson to lead the Hawks’ offense and continue his strong performance from last season.

Robertson enjoyed a standout 2024 season

In his first season with Monmouth, the former Black Bear had a record-breaking 2024 season. Robertson set Monmouth’s single-season records for passing yards (3,937) and touchdowns (31) last season. He topped the FCS in both total and per-game passing yards during the regular season. With 3,937 passing yards, he ranks third all-time in CAA history. Robertson’s 31 passing touchdowns topped the CAA and placed him third in the FCS at the end of the regular season. Also, he was named the CAA Offensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which honors the top offensive player in the FCS.

Derek Robertson’s 2024 Resume

• FCS Football Central All-America Third Team
• Stats Perform FCS All-America Third Team
• Associated Press FCS All-America Honorable Mention
• Phil Steele Fourth Team All-America and First Team All-CAA
• Stats Perform Walter Payton Award Finalist (6th in voting)
• CAA Offensive Player of the Year and All-CAA First Team selection
• FCS All-ECAC Offense and ECAC DI FCS Offensive Player of the Year

Monmouth Football’s Derek Robertson Returns for 2025 Season

Robertson’s upcoming season will mark his last with Monmouth as he exhausts his eligibility. Before joining the Hawks in 2024, Robertson appeared in 21 games as quarterback for the University of Maine. While playing for the Black Bears in 2023, the former Iona Prep prospect recorded 2,933 passing yards and 25 touchdowns in 11 games. He averaged 266.6 passing yards per game (ranks: third in CAA, 11th in FCS) and ended the season with a 63.9 passing percentage.

Robertson’s 2,933 passing yards were the third-most passing yards in a single season in Maine Football history and ranked seventh in the country. Also, his 23.45 completions per game marked him second best in the CAA and ninth in the nation. Robertson’s strong 2023 season earned him All-CAA Honorable Mention honors, a year in which he also ranked third in the conference and eighth in the FCS with 25 touchdown passes.

What to expect from Robertson in 2025?

Coach Callahan has high expectations for Robertson as the leader and captain. He sets the standard for the offense, especially the skill positions, and his teammates follow his leadership on and off the field. With most of the starting offense back from a record-setting 2024 season, Robertson and the Hawks have the potential to make history in 2025. 

Robertson’s decision to return was motivated by the desire to win a championship with Monmouth. This indicates dedication and ambition for the team’s success in 2025. Monmouth’s offense is considered the top in the FCS, and Robertson’s performance will be crucial to maintaining that ranking. He is expected to lead the team in their 2025 schedule, which includes matchups against Colgate, Fordham, Charlotte, Villanova, and other CAA opponents. Expect Robertson to be the key leader of a high-powered Monmouth offense in 2025, with the team having serious aspirations for a championship.