Monmouth Football: Key Players as the Hawks Take Flight in 2025

As the Monmouth football team gears up for the 2025 football season, several key players are poised to have an impactful season. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging young talent, the Hawks are set to compete within the Coastal Athletic Association conference. Under the guidance of long-time head coach Kevin Callahan (33rd season), the team aims to build upon its previous successes and make a strong push in the 2025 campaign.

In 2024, Monmouth football finished in 10th place with a 4-4 conference record and a 6-6 record overall. The Hawks finished the 2024 season strong, concluding their season with a two-game winning streak. Can the Hawks continue their winning streak heading into 2025?

Monmouth opens their 2025 season on Saturday, August 30, in Hamilton, New York, against Colgate. The Hawks start the season with three consecutive road games and will return home to host Villanova for the CAA opener. Monmouth will look to build on the 2024 season, returning several key players, including quarterback Derek Robertson. In 2024, Robertson was the reigning CAA Offensive Player of the Year.

Here are notable key players for Monmouth football heading into 2025.

Monmouth Football: Key Players Entering 2025

Offensive Standouts

Quarterback Derek Robertson (Sr.)

In his first season with Monmouth football after transferring from Maine, quarterback Derek Robertson led the FCS in passing yards with 3,937 yards. In his debut against his former team, Robertson threw for 390 yards and four touchdowns. He had an outstanding 2024 season, setting Monmouth single-season records in passing yards and touchdowns.

Robertson started all 12 games for the Hawks last season, earning several All-American honors, including First-Team All-CAA and Third-Team All-America selections. Also, he was named the CAA Offensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award (given to the top offensive player in the FCS).

Running back Makhi Green (Sr.)

Senior running back Makhi Green (5-foot-9, 170 pounds) provided a consistent presence in Monmouth’s backfield. Also, he brings experience and agility to the Hawks’ running game. The West Orange, New Jersey, native played in all 12 games last season, logging two starts.

Green recorded 278 rushing yards on 55 attempts, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Also, he caught nine passes for 95 yards out of the backfield. Green was a big piece on special teams last season, returning 18 kickoffs for 411 yards and a touchdown. He also added 14 punts for 103 yards, earning him the CAA Special Teams Player of the Week honor on September 30, 2024. His performance will be crucial in establishing a balanced offensive attack for the Hawks this season. 

Wide Receiver Tra Neal (R-So.)

Monmouth sophomore wide receiver Tra Neal emerged as a dynamic playmaker in 2024, leading the team with seven touchdown receptions and totaling 490 yards on 34 catches. The 6-foot, 170-pound wide receiver from Frederick, Maryland, highlights a multifaceted skill set. Neal played in all 12 games last season, recording six starts. His standout performance earned him a spot on the FCS Football Central Freshman All-American Team.

Wide Receiver T.J. Speight (Sr.)

T.J. Speight is a standout wide receiver for Monmouth football. Standing 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, Speight hails from Fort Meade, Maryland. As a senior wide receiver, Speight’s leadership and route-running precision make him a reliable target in the passing game.

In 2024, Speight logged 61 receptions for 896 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 14.7 yards per catch. He produced 1,346 all-purpose yards last season and was a dynamic special-teams player. Speight was named to the Phil Steele Third Team All-CAA as a kick returner and earned CAA Special Teams Player of the Week honors after a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown against Hampton in 2023. 

Defensive Anchors

Defensive Tackle Isaiah Rogers (Sr. – Grad Student)

Senior defensive tackle Isaiah Rogers is a key contributor to Monmouth’s defensive line heading into the 2025 season. Rogers earned third-team All-CAA honors in 2024, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses from the interior line.

From 2019 to 2022, Rogers spent four seasons at UMass. He appeared in 36 career games for the Minutemen, recording 46 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

In his first season with Monmouth, Rogers appeared in 10 games, making 17 tackles (6 solo) and 1.5 tackles for loss. Rogers played a significant role on the defensive line in 2024 for the Hawks, recording 31 tackles (13 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He also had one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry in 12 games. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive tackle brings valuable experience and size to the Monmouth defensive line.

Linebacker Charlie Sasso (Jr.)

Monmouth junior linebacker Charlie Sasso is coming off a solid 2024 campaign. Sasso has been a tackling machine, known for his sideline-to-sideline range and football IQ. His leadership on defense is expected to set the tone for the unit.

In 2024, Sasso played nine games, logging three starts at linebacker. He recorded 28 tackles (8 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, and one quarterback hurry throughout those nine games. Sasso is entering his fourth season with Monmouth, as he has shown consistent development throughout his college career. The 6-foot, 230-pound linebacker is expected to be an important part of the Monmouth defense in the upcoming 2025 season.

Defensive back Justin Bennin (Sr.)

Anchoring Monmouth’s defensive secondary is senior safety Justin Bennin. At 6-foot-2, Bennin’s size and athleticism make him a formidable presence in the secondary, capable of matching up against top receivers.

Bennin is entering his fifth year with Monmouth, as he was the team’s captain a year ago. Bennin played in all 12 games, starting seven at safety. He was fifth on the team with 55 tackles (35 solo). Also, he tied for the team lead in interceptions with two. He had a career-high 14 tackles against Towson. Bennin is a significant contributor to the Monmouth defense and is expected to be a key player in the defensive backfield for the 2025 season.