RICHMOND, Va. – Monmouth University junior safety Jaeden Jones has been voted the CAA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting six Hawks recognized on the conference's 2026 Preseason All-CAA Team, the league announced Wednesday. Monmouth was also selected to finish second in the CAA preseason coaches poll after receiving 119 points, trailing only Rhode Island (144) and narrowly edging Elon (115).

Jones becomes the first Hawk to earn CAA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year honors after a record-setting 2025 campaign. A Stats Perform Preseason First Team All-American and Buck Buchanan Award Watch List selection entering the season, Jones led Monmouth with 118 tackles, the third-highest single-season total in program history, while adding five tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and four pass breakups. He posted seven double-digit tackle performances and earned postseason recognition as an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American, AFCA Second Team All-American, First Team All-CAA defender, Third Team All-CAA specialist, First Team Phil Steele All-CAA, and All-ECAC selection.

Jones was also named to the Preseason All-CAA Team at both safety and special teams, making him one of three Hawks to earn preseason first-team recognition. Tight end Marcus Middleton and wide receiver Gavin Nelson joined Jones on the preseason all-conference squad after standout 2025 campaigns. Middleton established himself as one of the CAA's top all-around tight ends, while Nelson returns after a breakout season that made him one of the league's most dangerous receiving threats.

The Hawks also placed three players on the Preseason All-CAA Honorable Mention Team in wide receiver Tra Neal, offensive lineman Kevin Shriner and punter Luke Schabel, giving Monmouth six preseason all-conference selections overall.

Monmouth enters the 2026 season following a 9-3 campaign that included a 6-2 finish in CAA play. The Hawks return one of the conference's deepest and most experienced rosters and were picked to finish second in the league.

The Hawks open the 2026 season on Saturday, Aug. 29, when they go on the road to take on Tennessee Tech at 6 p.m. CDT. Monmouth's home opener is Saturday, Sept. 5 versus Sacred Heart at 2 p.m. Tickets for individual games and the entire 2026 Monmouth Football season can be purchased here or by calling 732-263-5735.

Full List of Monmouth University 2026 Preseason All-CAA Honors

CAA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Jaeden Jones

Preseason All-CAA
TE – Marcus Middleton
WR – Gavin Nelson
S, SPEC – Jaeden Jones

Honorable Mention: WR – Tra Neal, OL – Kevin Shriner, P – Luke Schabel
 
2026 CAA Football Predicted Order of Finish
Selected by a vote of head coaches
1. Rhode Island (12 first-place votes) 144
2. Monmouth 119
3. Elon 115
4. New Hampshire 106
5. Stony Brook (1 first-place vote) 105
6. Towson 93
7. Maine 88
8. Campbell 56
9. Bryant 50
10. Sacred Heart 49
12. UAlbany 35
13. North Carolina A&T 28
14. Hampton 26