WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Monmouth University safety Jaeden Jones has been named a 2026 Stats Perform FCS Preseason Second Team All-American, recognizing one of the nation's premier defensive players entering the 2026 season. The annual preseason All-America teams honor the top returning players across the Football Championship Subdivision ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Jones enters his junior season after putting together one of the finest defensive campaigns in Monmouth history in 2025. The Colonia, New Jersey, native led the Hawks with 118 total tackles, the third-highest single-season total in program history, while adding 74 solo stops, 44 assisted tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and four pass breakups. He reached double figures in tackles seven times during the season and served as the leader of a Monmouth defense that helped the Hawks to a 9-3 regular season and a 6-2 record in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).

Jones' standout sophomore season earned him postseason recognition from multiple organizations. He was selected an Associated Press FCS All-America Honorable Mention, AFCA FCS Coaches' Second Team All-American, First Team All-CAA on defense, Third Team All-CAA as a specialist, First Team Phil Steele All-CAA, and an All-ECAC selection. His combination of production, versatility and consistency made him one of the most decorated defensive backs in the CAA.

Jones becomes the latest Hawk to earn preseason national recognition as Monmouth prepares for the 2026 season under new head coach Jeff Gallo. The Hawks open the campaign on Saturday, Aug. 29, when they travel to Cookeville, Tenn. to take on Tennessee Tech at 7 p.m. EDT (6 p.m. CDT).


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