Monmouth Football Jumps to No. 11 National Ranking After Delaware State Win

After crushing Delaware State 49-38 on Oct. 4, Monmouth University's football squad shot up to No. 11 in the AFCA Coaches Poll while claiming the No. 12 spot in the Stats Perform FCS Poll.

The Hawks soared to their second-highest position ever, just shy of their peak at No. 10 in spring 2021. Star rusher Rodney Nelson tore up the field, earning Coastal Athletic Association Offensive Player of the Week for his standout showing.

At 4-1, the team hasn't started this strong since 2017. Their rise follows a stunning 51-33 takedown of No. 12 Villanova on Sept. 20, marking win number eight against ranked competition.

Now they stand tall atop the Coastal Athletic Association. Brown University knocked off previous leader Rhode Island, who slid to No. 17, while Villanova dropped to No. 18.

The polls still show North Dakota State in command at No. 1. They grabbed 26 top votes in AFCA rankings and 54 in Stats Perform. South Dakota State holds firm at No. 2, with Tarleton State right behind.

Strong defensive play keeps pushing the Hawks higher. They've posted an impressive 12-8 mark when facing ranked teams while carrying a national rank themselves.

The Coastal Athletic Association now boasts three teams in the top 25. Just outside the rankings, Elon University keeps picking up votes in both polls.

Next up: The Hawks face Towson in a key conference battle. Catch the action live on FloCollege, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.