If you’ve been following Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) sports lately, you know things are getting weird. Honestly, the whole "Monmouth vs Rhode Island" dynamic has shifted from a standard conference game into something that feels way more personal. It’s not just about the points on the board; it’s about two programs trying to prove they belong at the top of a very crowded East Coast ladder.
Last season, we saw Rhode Island pull off a 37-28 victory over Monmouth that was, frankly, a heartbreaker for the Hawks. Monmouth had that explosive offense—averaging over 40 points—and they came out swinging with a 21-10 lead. But the Rams just wouldn't break. That's kinda been the theme for Jim Fleming’s squad. They specialize in these "resilient" comebacks that make opposing fans want to pull their hair out.
The Seven Overtime Ghost
You can’t talk about Monmouth vs Rhode Island without mentioning the 2022 game. It’s basically mandatory. That game went into seven overtimes. Seven. It ended 48-46 in favor of URI and stands as the longest game in CAA history.
When players from these two teams meet now, that history is sitting right there in the room. It created this weird psychological edge. Monmouth wants revenge for the marathon loss; Rhode Island wants to prove it wasn't a fluke.
Breaking Down the 2025-2026 Power Shift
Look at the rosters right now. It’s a fascinating contrast in styles.
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Rhode Island's Defensive Wall
The Rams have a legitimate superstar in linebacker A.J. Pena. The guy is a nightmare for quarterbacks. He was just named the 2025 CAA Defensive Player of the Year, and for good reason. He’s the anchor of a unit that knows how to finish games. While Monmouth likes to go fast and score often, Pena and his crew are the ones who usually find a way to get that strip-sack or interception when the clock is ticking down.
Monmouth’s High-Octane Engine
On the other side, the Hawks are led by Rodney Nelson, who basically spent the 2025 season running through people. He took home the CAA Offensive Player of the Year honors, proving that Monmouth's ground game is just as terrifying as their air attack. Derek Robertson has been the general under center, distributing the ball to guys like Josh Derry and TJ Speight.
- Rodney Nelson (Monmouth): 2025 Offensive POY.
- A.J. Pena (Rhode Island): 2025 Defensive POY.
- Jim Fleming (URI): 2025 CAA Coach of the Year.
Basically, you have the best offense in the conference going up against the best defense. It's the classic "unstoppable force meets immovable object" cliché, but it actually applies here.
What’s Happening on the Hardwood?
While football gets the most "rivalry" talk because of those overtime thrillers, the basketball matchup is quietly becoming a must-watch too. Monmouth’s King Rice has been building a gritty culture in West Long Branch for years.
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Just recently, in January 2026, we've seen Monmouth showing some real teeth in conference play. They’ve been hovering around a .500 record overall, but their defensive metrics are actually better than the wins and losses suggest. They held Campbell to just 31 points recently—the fewest they've allowed against a D-I opponent all season. That’s the kind of defensive intensity they’ll need when they face a Rhode Island team that often plays with a much faster, Atlantic 10-influenced pace.
Why This Matchup Still Matters
Most people think of mid-major sports as just a stepping stone, but Monmouth vs Rhode Island feels different. It’s local. It’s regional. It’s about Jersey vs. New England.
When Derek Robertson throws for 300+ yards or Devin Farrell leads a late-game drive for URI, it’s not just a stat line. These schools are competing for the same recruits in the Northeast corridor. Every win for Monmouth in Kingston is a recruiting pitch for a kid from Providence to come down to the Jersey Shore. Every URI win at Kessler Stadium is a reason for a North Jersey kid to head up I-95.
Key Players to Watch in 2026
- Derek Robertson (QB, Monmouth): He’s on pace for a historic 4,000-yard season.
- Marquis Buchanan (WR, URI): A deep threat who seems to find the end zone every time they play the Hawks.
- Deuce Lee (DB, Monmouth): The leader of the secondary who has to keep the Rams' big plays in check.
What to Watch For Next
If you're betting on or just watching these games, keep an eye on the fourth quarter. Rhode Island has made a name for themselves as "The Comeback Kids." In five of their recent wins, they trailed in the final frame. Monmouth, meanwhile, tends to start hot. If the Hawks don't have a two-score lead by the ten-minute mark of the fourth, history says the Rams are going to find a way to make it uncomfortable.
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The next time these two meet, don't look at the season records. Look at the individual matchups: Nelson vs. Pena. That’s where the game is won.
To stay ahead of the curve on this rivalry, keep a close watch on the CAA injury reports leading up to game day, especially regarding the offensive line depth for Monmouth. Their high-scoring system relies heavily on Derek Robertson having time to let routes develop. On the flip side, track the Rams' turnover margin; when they stay "clean," they are almost impossible to beat at home. Checking the weather for late-season games in Kingston is also a pro move, as the wind off the Atlantic can turn a passing clinic into a ground-and-pound slog very quickly.
Essential Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Trenches: Monmouth’s O-line vs. Pena is the deciding factor.
- Fourth Quarter Fatigue: Rhode Island thrives late; Monmouth needs an early cushion.
- Recruiting Ripple Effects: These games impact where the top Northeast talent signs.
Whether it’s a seven-overtime football marathon or a defensive slugfest on the court, the Monmouth and Rhode Island saga is only getting more intense as they settle into their roles as CAA powerhouses.