WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Following a three-game winning streak and a 3-0 start to Coastal Athletic Association play, Monmouth University football has returned to the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll at No. 24, the organization announced Monday.
 
The Hawks, who were ranked No. 23 in the preseason coaches poll before opening the season with a 38-14 loss at No. 15 Tennessee Tech, have climbed back into the national rankings after winning three straight games and four consecutive contests against FCS opponents. Monmouth is 4-2 overall and sits alone atop the CAA standings at 3-0 entering its bye week.
 
Monmouth is one of five CAA programs either ranked or receiving votes in this week's national polls. Campbell is ranked No. 20 in the AFCA poll and No. 17 in the STATS Perform FCS Top 25, while Stony Brook, Bryant and Elon are each receiving votes in both polls. The Hawks are also receiving votes in the STATS Perform poll this week.
 
The Hawks have been balanced on both sides of the ball, ranking among the CAA's top five teams in total offense and total defense. Monmouth also features two of the conference's top-five rushers, a top-five passer and two top-five receivers.
 
Defensively, junior safety Jaeden Jones ranks second in the CAA with 62 tackles, a total that also ranks 11th nationally. Fellow defensive back Omar Ibrahim leads the conference with seven pass breakups.
 
Monmouth has won each of its last three games, including a 41-40 victory over Towson on Oct. 3 at Kessler Stadium on Homecoming. The Hawks overcame a double-digit second-half deficit against the Tigers to improve to 3-0 in CAA play and take sole possession of first place in the conference.
 
Following the bye week, Monmouth returns to action Saturday, Oct. 17 at New Hampshire. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium.

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