Monmouth Football Targets Top Talent in 2026 Recruiting Class

As of April 2025, the Monmouth football program is actively recruiting for its 2026 class. According to 247Sports, the Hawks have sent out 16 offers to prospects and are waiting for commitment from these athletes.

Monmouth has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing its football program in the past seasons. For instance, during the 2023 early signing period, head coach Kevin Callahan announced the addition of 19 student-athletes, including 17 high school players and two transfers. This class featured a balanced mix of positions, such as defensive linemen, defensive backs, offensive linemen, wide receivers, running backs, a quarterback, and a tight end, with recruits hailing from states like Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The 2024 recruiting class further emphasized Monmouth’s focus on regional talent, bringing in 18 new players, many of whom had participated in Monmouth Football Camps. This strategic approach aims to strengthen the team’s performance in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) and pursue FCS playoff berths.

As the 2026 recruiting process progresses, the Hawks continue identifying and engaging promising athletes to uphold and elevate the program’s competitive standards. Monmouth University has extended offers to talented high school athletes across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, specifically from New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, and Connecticut.

Several of these recruits below have expressed interest in joining Monmouth’s 2026 recruiting class.

Monmouth Football 2026 Recruiting Offers

Wide Receivers

Nakeem Powell – Atco, New Jersey

Nakeem Powell is heading into his senior season at Winslow Township High School in Atco, New Jersey. He plays varsity football as a Wide Receiver (No. 21) and plays baseball in the offseason. In his football career at Winslow Township, his team has a 30-7 record.

Recruiting:

He has received offers from several universities, including:

• East Carolina
• Fordham
• Lehigh
• Monmouth
• New Hampshire
• Syracuse

Michael Ahoua – Avon, Connecticut

Michael Ahoua is a young prospect who received multiple offers from different schools.

He plays football at Avon Old Farms High School in Connecticut, and his positions include:

• Defensive Back
• Wide Receiver
• Quarterback

Recruiting:

He received football offers from the following schools:

• Syracuse
• Army
• Fordham
• Monmouth

He has an official visit with Syracuse on June 13, 2025.

Offensive Tackle

Miles Muldrow – Somerset, New Jersey

Miles Muldrow is an Offensive Tackle from Franklin High School in Somerset, New Jersey.

Recruiting:

He has received offers from several universities, including:

• • Buffalo
  • Connecticut
  • Fordham
  • Georgetown
  • James Madison
  • Liberty
  • Monmouth
  • Temple
  • Tulane
  • West Virginia

He is scheduled to visit Temple University on June 6, 2025.

Athletes

Dkwan Thomas – District Heights, Maryland

Dkwan Thomas is heading into his senior season at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland. He is listed as 5-foot-11, 187 pounds and plays safety and cornerback on defense.

Recruiting:

He has received offers from the following schools:

• Boston College
• Fordham
• Liberty
• Marshall
• Miami (OH)
• Old Dominion
• Syracuse
• Toledo
• Monmouth

During the offseason, he participates in track and field. His track and field statistics include events like the 55m, 100m, 200m, 300m, and 400m dashes.

Hunter Watson – Jersey City, New Jersey

Hunter Watson is from St. Peter’s Prep High School in New Jersey. His main position is wide receiver, and he received offers from the following programs.

Recruiting:

• Monmouth
• Syracuse
• Long Island
• Connecticut
• Boston College
• West Virginia

Linebacker

Matthew Occhipinti – Ramsey, New Jersey

Matthew Occhipinti is a junior prospect at Don Bosco Prep High School in Ramsey, New Jersey.

Recruiting:

He has received offers from numerous universities, including:

• • Air Force
  • Army
  • Boston College
  • Bryant
  • Cincinnati
  • Coastal Carolina
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Fordham
  • Georgetown
  • James Madison
  • Kent State
  • Liberty
  • Louisville
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Monmouth
  • North Carolina
  • Old Dominion
  • Syracuse
  • Temple
  • Toledo
  • Towson
  • Tulane
  • UCF
  • UMass
  • West Virginia

Statistics:

During his sophomore season, Occhiptnti logged 24 total tackles 8 solo, 15 assisted), one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception. He followed up his sophomore season with 33 total tackles (13 solo, 20 assisted), one tackle for loss, and three sacks. For his efforts last season, Occhiptnti was named First Team All-County and All-Conference as a junior.