RICHMOND, Va. – Wide receiver Gavin Nelson of Monmouth University has been named the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Football Offensive Player of the Week for Week One, the conference announced Monday morning.
 
Nelson played a starring role in Monmouth's largest comeback victory in program history, a 35-point rally at Colgate on Friday night. Trailing by 24 points midway through the third quarter, the Maryland native sparked the surge with a career performance, posting five receptions for career highs of 176 yards and three touchdowns as the Hawks stormed back with 35 unanswered points.
 
The redshirt junior showcased his big-play ability in the second half, connecting with quarterback Derek Robertson for scores of 70, 24, and 51 yards – matching his entire touchdown total from 2024 in just one night. His 176 receiving yards were the most by any CAA wideout and the second most in the FCS during Week One, while his three touchdowns led the nation.
 
Nelson and the Hawks gear up for Week Two as they take on Fordham on the road on Saturday, September 6. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with kickoff set for 6 p.m.