The 2026 college football season is underway, and No. 23 Monmouth is opening its campaign on the road against No. 15 Tennessee Tech in one of only two Division I matchups between ranked teams during Week 0.
The Hawks and Golden Eagles meet Saturday in Cookeville, Tennessee, with Monmouth seeking a major road upset. The Asbury Park Press is providing live updates and analysis throughout the season opener.
Monmouth vs. Tennessee Tech live updates
Former Glassboro star gets Monmouth’s first first down
Former Glassboro standout Kenny Smith Jr. recorded two consecutive runs to begin Monmouth’s third drive and picked up the Hawks’ first down. Monmouth benefited from a pass interference call, but the offense continued to struggle to establish a rhythm.
The new-look offensive line had a difficult start, with penalties and execution problems affecting both pass protection and the running game. Monmouth was forced to punt again.
Monmouth forces a punt as pass rush shines
Although Tennessee Tech’s drive was extended by an initial pass interference penalty, Monmouth’s defense responded emphatically. One of the key questions for the Hawks entering the season was which players would emerge on the edges to strengthen the pass rush.
Syracuse transfer Jahide Lesaine provided an early answer with a third-down sack.
Penalty derails another Monmouth drive
A bizarre penalty interrupted the Hawks’ possession when officials called a “snap infraction” on the center. The call changed a third-and-4 into a third-and-9.
After two three-yard gains on a sweep by Gavin Nelson and a run by Elijah Jennings, Monmouth ended the drive with an incompletion. The Hawks went three-and-out again as their difficult start continued.
Tennessee Tech capitalizes after starting in Monmouth territory
The Golden Eagles began their drive at Monmouth’s 44-yard line. Southeast Missouri State transfer Jax Leatherwood started at quarterback for Tennessee Tech, meaning both teams used their anticipated starters at the position.
Monmouth nearly forced a three-and-out, but Tennessee Tech converted a third-and-7 and continued into the end zone. On third-and-goal from the 2-yard line, Leatherwood found Gabe Nunez, who beat Hasson Manning for the touchdown.
Tennessee Tech took a 7-0 lead with 9:56 remaining in the first quarter.
Monmouth opens with a three-and-out
The Hawks began at their own 25-yard line after a touchback, with Frankie Weaver starting at quarterback. Two negative plays set up third-and-15, and Weaver’s deep out was incomplete.
Monmouth went three-and-out on its opening possession.
Pregame notes and projected starters
Eleven positions on Monmouth’s media two-deep depth chart received an “OR” designation, indicating that the starting spot could still go either way. The opener will show whether those designations reflect season-opening gamesmanship or lead to early rotations at certain positions.
Monmouth projected offensive starters
Quarterback: 13 Frankie Weaver (6-5, 215, R-So.)
Running backs: 3 Elijah Jennings (5-9, 180, R-So.); 6 Kenny Smith Jr. (5-10, 190, R-Fr.)
Wide receivers: 0 Gavin Nelson (6-0, 180, R-Sr.); 7 Tra Neal (6-1, 180, R-Jr.); 14 Christian Harrison (6-0, 195, Jr.)
Tight ends: 88 Marcus Middleton (6-3, 235, R-Jr.); 84 Shane Garrett (6-4, 240, R-Jr.)
Offensive line: 73 Matt Fries, left tackle (6-5, 295, R-Sr.); 61 Collin Goetter, left guard (6-4, 295, R-So.); 65 Kevin Shriner, center (6-1, 300, R-Sr.); 74 Michael Petito, right guard (6-2, 325, R-Jr.); 77 Josh Duran, right tackle (6-6, 305, R-Jr.)
Monmouth projected defensive starters
Defensive ends: 4 Hunter Watson (6-5, 260, R-So.); 52 Mounir Keshen (6-2, 245, So.)
Defensive tackles: 8 JJ Lewis (6-3, 280, Sr.); 90 Brendan Bigos (6-4, 280, R-Sr.); 92 Bryce Rooks (6-0, 295, R-Sr.)
Linebackers: 27 Spencer Kishbaugh (6-3, 225, R-Jr.); 5 Charlie Sasso (6-0, 230, R-Sr.); 1 Ryan Russo (6-2, 230, R-Sr.)
Star: 20 Hasson Manning Jr. (5-11, 190, Sr.)
Safeties: 2 Jaeden Jones (6-0, 200, Jr.); 26 Donovan Fey (6-2, 205, R-Jr.)
Cornerbacks: 22 Christian Palmer Jr. (6-1, 185, So.); 36 Elijah Mathis (6-4, 200, R-Fr.)
How to watch Monmouth vs. Tennessee Tech
Game: No. 23/22 Monmouth vs. No. 15/14 Tennessee Tech
Date and time: 7 p.m. EST, 6 p.m. local time, Aug. 29
TV: ESPN+
Location: Cookeville, Tennessee
Source: sports.yahoo.com
