PITMAN, NJ – Salisbury has been selected as the preseason favorite in the 2025 New Jersey Athletic Conference Football Coaches Poll, receiving six of the eight first-place votes in balloting by the league’s head coaches.
Christopher Newport picked up one first-place vote to land second, while Rowan earned a first-place nod and was tabbed as this year’s dark horse in third. TCNJ, Montclair State, Kean, William Paterson, and Vermont State–Castleton rounded out the poll.
The regular-season champion earns the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Football Championship.
2025 NJAC FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL
(first place votes in parentheses)
1. Salisbury (6)
2. Christopher Newport (1)
3. Rowan (1) (dark horse)
4. TCNJ
5. Montclair State
6. Kean
7. William Paterson
8. Vermont State-Castleton
SALISBURY
Salisbury enters 2025 ranked No. 7 nationally in both the AFCA and D3football.com preseason polls after advancing to last year’s NCAA quarterfinals. The Sea Gulls return explosive running back and return specialist Dario Belizaire, who was top 10 in the NJAC in rushing and scoring and led the league in kick return average. All-conference receivers Daniel Clark and Micah Brubaker provide additional firepower. Defensively, Salisbury features Jimmy Celentano, a two-time all-conference linebacker, along with lineman Chase Lomax, who ranked third in the NJAC in sacks, and safety Kilo Mack. With talent on both sides of the ball, the Sea Gulls aim to remain a national contender.
Head Coach Sherman Wood: “Although we are expecting to maintain high standards within our program, we are anticipating many challenges within the NJAC.”
CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT
Christopher Newport returns one of the NJAC’s top offensive weapons in three-time all-conference receiver Gunner White, the 2023 NJAC Offensive Player of the Year who tied for the league lead in scoring. He is supported by veteran tight end Jayson Viernes and all-conference offensive lineman Andrew Belford. On defense, the Captains bring back Noah Martin, a First Team All-NJAC safety who ranked among the top tacklers and interceptors in the league, along with cornerback Eli Sherfield and linebacker Masi Bruning. With playmakers across the field, CNU will once again be in the title hunt.
Head Coach Paul Crowley: "We are very excited for the upcoming season. Our schedule features tough out of conference opponents, and the NJAC will be tough and physical week in and week out as always."
ROWAN
Rowan was tabbed as the preseason dark horse and brings back nearly all of its offensive production. Wide receiver Michael Zarfati ranked among the league leaders in receiving yards, while running backs Nunes Bukula IV and Tyshawn Bookman both finished top 10 in rushing. On defense, Giani Derameaux returns on the line, while AJ Ryker, the NJAC Defensive Rookie of the Year, adds versatility after posting 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. The Profs also add several key newcomers, including wide receivers Jamir Rowe and Shakur Taylor, and linebacker Xavier McBride. With offensive firepower and fresh talent on defense, Rowan looks primed to contend.
Newcomers to Watch: Jamir Rowe (WR; Philadelphia, PA/St. Joseph’s Prep), Shakur Taylor (WR; East Orange, NJ/East Orange), Xavier McBride (LB; Millville, NJ/Millville)
Head Coach Pat Ruley: “It is a tale of two extremes, bringing back almost our entire offense and all our offensive production while graduating 9 of 11 starters on defense. More than half the team is new, so they need to learn how we do things but there is a lot of talent in that group.”
TCNJ
TCNJ boasts one of the league’s most experienced rosters, with impact players on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Lions return Ryan Gill, a Second Team All-NJAC receiver with seven touchdowns, alongside receivers Jaiden Johnson and tight end Pat Obrey. On defense, Dave Giulian leads the group after finishing second in the NJAC in tackles per game, with Dylan Patscher and Justin Kurc joining him as all-conference standouts. Kurc led the NJAC with 15 passes defended, including five interceptions. With balance and veteran leadership, TCNJ is poised for another strong season.
Newcomers to Watch: Chimmy Ozokpor (OLB; Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough HS), Brandon Rector (DL; Belle Mead, NJ/Montgomery HS)
Head Coach Tyler Moody: “The 2025 team has a strong foundation of veteran players who have been through numerous battles for the program. Alongside them, we have a good group of guys ready to embrace the challenge of starting roles. We're excited to see these guys step up into pivotal roles, learning from our established core and contributing to a competitive season.”
MONTCLAIR STATE
Montclair State will look to a mix of experienced veterans and rising talent. Offensively, the Red Hawks return two-time all-conference receiver Anthony Roige and senior lineman Tom Smith, providing stability up front and downfield. Defensively, Alex Buchwald and Ryan Visalli anchor the secondary, with Visalli ranking among the NJAC’s top 20 tacklers last fall. Newcomers, including tight end Andrew Ganci, quarterback Luke Henrich, and running back Diante Wilson, are expected to compete for immediate roles. Montclair’s success will hinge on how quickly its young talent adapts.
Newcomers to Watch: Andrew Ganci (TE; Ringwood, NJ/Lakeland Regional), Luke Henrich (QB; West Orange, NJ/St. Joseph’s Montvale), Diante Wilson (RB; Union, NJ/Union)
Head Coach Mike Palazzo: “We have a young and talented team, though not many proven players return — only one All-NJAC selection is back. The key to our season will be how quickly our young talent develops and adapts to the college level.”
KEAN
Kean features a strong returning offensive trio in quarterback Rocco Pelligrini, who ranked third in the NJAC in completion percentage, receiver Christian Bujno, who finished fifth in receiving yards per game, and tight end Justin Leigh, a Second Team All-NJAC honoree. Defensively, the Cougars return standout Chris Amos, who earned First Team All-NJAC recognition after ranking seventh in tackles and finishing among the league leaders in interceptions and passes defended. Cornerback Tre Allen and lineman Nick Atchison also bring veteran experience. With one of the largest recruiting classes in program history, Kean has the depth to push forward.
Newcomers to Watch: Jaiden Stokes (OT; East Orange, NJ/East Orange), Joseph Pappa (DL; Sparta, NJ/Pope John XXIII), Walter King (DB; Hackensack, NJ/Hackensack)
Head Coach Dan Garrett: “Last year's record on the field does not indicate the strides we made in our program last year. We have a great nucleus of returners coming back who are all in; with a recruiting class that could be the most exciting class in my 20 years. The focus for us this camp needs to be - daily growth! … Competition breeds excellence and that's the goal! We have to compete in a healthy manner inside each position group while we develop the chemistry and synergy necessary to have success on Saturdays!”
WILLIAM PATERSON
William Paterson looks to make strides with a core of young returners. Running back Isaac Cherry paced the Pioneers on the ground last year, finishing among the NJAC’s top 10 in rushing, while quarterback Nigel Jennings continues to develop under center. Defensively, Joseph Pressley led the team in tackles for loss, while defensive back Knasir Alston earned Second Team All-NJAC with nine breakups and five interceptions. Linebacker Jojo Yankson adds to the veteran group. With continued growth and added depth, the Pioneers aim to be more competitive in 2025.
Newcomers to Watch: Kevin Thomas (OL), Malik Bails (DL)
Head Coach Shaun Williams: “Still a young team, we are optimistic to see the progress we made over the offseason. We are looking for a more competitive season than last year.”
VERMONT STATE-CASTLETON
Vermont State–Castleton joins the NJAC this season, bringing with it several experienced returners and impact newcomers. Offensively, senior linemen Charlie McMahon and Alex Simon provide stability up front, while tight end Brody Tyburski adds depth in the passing game. On defense, linebacker Tyler Buxton earned Second Team All-MASCAC honors last year and led the Spartans in sacks, with Isaiah Oufiero contributing 72 tackles and a pick-six, and safety CJ Childs leading all of Division III with five blocked kicks. Transfers Louis Guillotte (RB, New Haven) and Kavon Graham-Jones (DL) highlight the incoming group. With veterans and impact newcomers, Castleton will look to establish itself in its first NJAC campaign.
Newcomers to Watch: Louis Guillotte (RB; Drury, MA/University of New Haven), Connor Shepard (OL; Grafton, MA/Grafton), Kavon Graham-Jones (DL; Greene, ME/Leavitt Area)
Head Coach Tyler Higley: “This year's team is a balanced football team with veterans on all sides of the ball. We are very excited about the captains and position leaders as well as the newcomers of the program.”