Saturday, September 5
West Long Branch, NJ
2:00 PM
Sacred Heart
at
Monmouth University
Photo by: Daniel Boye
Pioneers Begin CAA Era with Season Opener at Monmouth
9/3/2026 1:57:00 PM | Football
Sacred Heart Begins New Chapter with First-Ever CAA Football Matchup
NEW SEASON, NEW CONFERENCE
As a Division I program, the Pioneers are 15-13 in season openers. Sacred Heart's longest winning streak in season openers was six games, spanning from a 2013 victory over Marist through 2018, before the streak ended with a loss to Maine in 2019.
2025 SEASON RECAP
Sacred Heart finished the 2025 season 8-4, including a perfect 6-0 at home, while taking on a challenging schedule that featured road games at Lehigh, Montana, and Villanova. The Pioneers capped the season by winning their second straight Yankee Conference Championship, defeating Merrimack, 42-37, on Senior Day and completing a flawless home season.
LOOKING BACK
The Pioneers enter 2026 coming off a strong statistical season, ranking sixth nationally in rushing offense (217.0 yards per game), 10th in completion percentage (.683) and 15th in third-down conversion percentage (.468).Â
Sacred Heart also ranked 12th in time of possession (32:05 per game) and fourth in kickoff return defense, allowing just 15.71 yards per return.
Under center, Poochie Snyder ranked among the nation's most accurate passers, finishing fifth in completion percentage (.712) and 19th in passing efficiency (151.5).
On the ground, Mitchell Summers helped lead the sixth-ranked rushing attack, ranking 18th nationally with 1,060 rushing yards, 20th with 88.3 rushing yards per game and 22nd with 12 rushing touchdowns.
SCOUTING THE HAWKS
Monmouth enters 2026 coming off a 9-3 season and a No. 23/22 national ranking, with Jeff Gallo taking over as head coach.
The Hawks opened the season against Tennessee Tech in Week Zero and fell, 38-14, dropping out of the national rankings.
Quarterback Frankie Weaver made his seventh career start for the Hawks, completing 20-of-41 passes for 179 yards. Monmouth's offense rushed for two touchdowns while averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
Jaeden Jones led the Hawks defensively with 11 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Jones was named the 2026 CAA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and was one of six Hawks selected to the CAA Preseason All-CAA Team. He was also named a Stats Perform Preseason First Team All-American and selected to the Buck Buchanan Award Watch List.
LAST TIME VS MONMOUTH
Date: Nov. 2, 2013 | Campus Field
Final Score: Sacred Heart 24 | Monmouth 21
Highlights: R.J. Noel led the offense, throwing for 184 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 43 yards and another score. Kellen Sperduto dominated defensively, recording 11 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3 tackles for loss. Moses Webb delivered the play of the game, turning a fumble recovery into a spectacular 51-yard touchdown to give SHU a 24-7 halftime lead. Monmouth rallied to within three in the fourth quarter, but Sacred Heart's defense came up clutch, stopping the Hawks on fourth down to secure the 24-21 victory.
NEW YEAR, NEW LEAGUE
Sacred Heart opens a new chapter in 2026, beginning its first season as a CAA Football member on Saturday, September 5 at Monmouth. The 11-game schedule features eight CAA contests, two non-conference matchups, and an FBS road game at UMass.
Following the season opener, the Pioneers travel to FBS opponent UMass on September 12 before making their first-ever trip to Elon on September 19. Sacred Heart returns home to Sikorsky Credit Union Field on September 26 to host New Hampshire in its home opener.
CAA play continues with a trip to Maine on October 3. The Pioneers then host non-conference opponent Stonehill on October 10 before returning to conference action against Hampton on October 17.
After a bye week, Sacred Heart resumes play October 31 with a road matchup at Stony Brook.
The Pioneers close out their home schedule with CAA contests against Towson on November 7 and Bryant on November 14 before wrapping up the regular season at non-conference opponent Merrimack on November 21.
PIOS SELECTED 10TH IN CAA PRESEASON POLL
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
11. UAlbany - 35
12. North Carolina A&T - 28
13. Hampton - 26
SUMMERS, SUK REPRESENTS PIOS ON CAA PRESEASON TEAM
Running back Mitchell Summers was named to the 2026 CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Team, while grad offensive lineman Tim Suk earned honorable mention recognition.
Summers' breakout season featured four 100-yard rushing performances, highlighted by a career-best 243-yard, two-touchdown effort in a victory over Howard that included an electrifying 80-yard touchdown run. He also rushed for 137 yards in Sacred Heart's win over Merrimack, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark and etching his name into the program's record book.
Suk was instrumental in protecting quarterback Poochie Snyder and helped anchor an offensive line that paved the way for one of the nation's most productive rushing attacks.
SUMMERS' ROOKIE RESUME
Mitchell Summers enters the 2026 season following one of the most decorated freshman campaigns in program history. Originally stepping into the starting role after injuries in the backfield early on, Summers quickly emerged as one of the top young playmakers in the FCS.
The reigning Stats Perform FCS Freshman All-American and FCS Football Central Freshman All-American rushed for 1,060 yards on 197 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt while scoring 12 touchdowns. He also earned All-New England honors from the New England Football Writers Association, was a finalist for the Stats Perform Jerry Rice Award, received Stats Perform FCS National Player of the Week honors, and was presented with a New England Football Writers Gold Helmet Weekly Award.
SHU FOOTBALL CAPTAINS
After spring practice concluded, head coach Mark Nofri announced the team captains for the upcoming 2026 season.
Kenny Selby, Curtis Whiting, Tim Suk, Poochie Snyder, and Logan Lyson were selected by their peers for their outstanding leadership, consistent performance, and unwavering commitment to the program.
NOFRI ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES
During the offseason, head coach Mark Nofri announced several new additions and promotions to his 2026 coaching staff.
New to the staff are James Alford (outside linebackers), Chase Murdock (linebackers), and Kyle Woodring (tight ends).
Lou Del Forno, who served as Assistant Defensive Line/Video Coordinator last season, has been promoted to Director of Football Operations.
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CHESTNUT RESIGNS WITH TITANS
Former Sacred Heart University football standout Julius Chestnut re-signed with the Tennessee Titans on a one-year contract. As of Monday, Aug. 31, Chestnut secured a spot on the Titans' 53-man roster for the 2026 season.
Chestnut appeared in all 17 games during the 2025 season, making his biggest impact on special teams where he led the team with 17 tackles. He also recorded 11 carries for 40 rushing yards. Originally signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft, Chestnut has steadily contributed in multiple roles.
In 2024, he set career highs with 22 carries for 102 yards and added 337 yards on 13 kickoff returns, ranking second on the team in return yards. Over his career, Chestnut has played in 43 games, totaling 154 rushing yards on 42 carries.
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- Sacred Heart will begin a new era of the program's storied history when it opens the 2026 season as a member of the CAA with a conference matchup at Monmouth on Saturday, Sept. 5.
- This marks the 20th meeting between the programs, with the Hawks holding a 13-6Â series advantage.
- The last meeting between the Pioneers and the Hawks was back in 2013, when the Pioneers won at home by a score of 24-21.
- Under head coach Mark Nofri, the Pioneers are 9-5 overall in season openers, including a 2-4 record in road season openers.
As a Division I program, the Pioneers are 15-13 in season openers. Sacred Heart's longest winning streak in season openers was six games, spanning from a 2013 victory over Marist through 2018, before the streak ended with a loss to Maine in 2019.
2025 SEASON RECAP
Sacred Heart finished the 2025 season 8-4, including a perfect 6-0 at home, while taking on a challenging schedule that featured road games at Lehigh, Montana, and Villanova. The Pioneers capped the season by winning their second straight Yankee Conference Championship, defeating Merrimack, 42-37, on Senior Day and completing a flawless home season.
LOOKING BACK
The Pioneers enter 2026 coming off a strong statistical season, ranking sixth nationally in rushing offense (217.0 yards per game), 10th in completion percentage (.683) and 15th in third-down conversion percentage (.468).Â
Sacred Heart also ranked 12th in time of possession (32:05 per game) and fourth in kickoff return defense, allowing just 15.71 yards per return.
Under center, Poochie Snyder ranked among the nation's most accurate passers, finishing fifth in completion percentage (.712) and 19th in passing efficiency (151.5).
On the ground, Mitchell Summers helped lead the sixth-ranked rushing attack, ranking 18th nationally with 1,060 rushing yards, 20th with 88.3 rushing yards per game and 22nd with 12 rushing touchdowns.
SCOUTING THE HAWKS
Monmouth enters 2026 coming off a 9-3 season and a No. 23/22 national ranking, with Jeff Gallo taking over as head coach.
The Hawks opened the season against Tennessee Tech in Week Zero and fell, 38-14, dropping out of the national rankings.
Quarterback Frankie Weaver made his seventh career start for the Hawks, completing 20-of-41 passes for 179 yards. Monmouth's offense rushed for two touchdowns while averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
Jaeden Jones led the Hawks defensively with 11 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Jones was named the 2026 CAA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and was one of six Hawks selected to the CAA Preseason All-CAA Team. He was also named a Stats Perform Preseason First Team All-American and selected to the Buck Buchanan Award Watch List.
LAST TIME VS MONMOUTH
Date: Nov. 2, 2013 | Campus Field
Final Score: Sacred Heart 24 | Monmouth 21
Highlights: R.J. Noel led the offense, throwing for 184 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 43 yards and another score. Kellen Sperduto dominated defensively, recording 11 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3 tackles for loss. Moses Webb delivered the play of the game, turning a fumble recovery into a spectacular 51-yard touchdown to give SHU a 24-7 halftime lead. Monmouth rallied to within three in the fourth quarter, but Sacred Heart's defense came up clutch, stopping the Hawks on fourth down to secure the 24-21 victory.
NEW YEAR, NEW LEAGUE
Sacred Heart opens a new chapter in 2026, beginning its first season as a CAA Football member on Saturday, September 5 at Monmouth. The 11-game schedule features eight CAA contests, two non-conference matchups, and an FBS road game at UMass.
Following the season opener, the Pioneers travel to FBS opponent UMass on September 12 before making their first-ever trip to Elon on September 19. Sacred Heart returns home to Sikorsky Credit Union Field on September 26 to host New Hampshire in its home opener.
CAA play continues with a trip to Maine on October 3. The Pioneers then host non-conference opponent Stonehill on October 10 before returning to conference action against Hampton on October 17.
After a bye week, Sacred Heart resumes play October 31 with a road matchup at Stony Brook.
The Pioneers close out their home schedule with CAA contests against Towson on November 7 and Bryant on November 14 before wrapping up the regular season at non-conference opponent Merrimack on November 21.
PIOS SELECTED 10TH IN CAA PRESEASON POLL
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
11. UAlbany - 35
12. North Carolina A&T - 28
13. Hampton - 26
SUMMERS, SUK REPRESENTS PIOS ON CAA PRESEASON TEAM
Running back Mitchell Summers was named to the 2026 CAA Football Preseason All-Conference Team, while grad offensive lineman Tim Suk earned honorable mention recognition.
Summers' breakout season featured four 100-yard rushing performances, highlighted by a career-best 243-yard, two-touchdown effort in a victory over Howard that included an electrifying 80-yard touchdown run. He also rushed for 137 yards in Sacred Heart's win over Merrimack, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark and etching his name into the program's record book.
Suk was instrumental in protecting quarterback Poochie Snyder and helped anchor an offensive line that paved the way for one of the nation's most productive rushing attacks.
SUMMERS' ROOKIE RESUME
Mitchell Summers enters the 2026 season following one of the most decorated freshman campaigns in program history. Originally stepping into the starting role after injuries in the backfield early on, Summers quickly emerged as one of the top young playmakers in the FCS.
The reigning Stats Perform FCS Freshman All-American and FCS Football Central Freshman All-American rushed for 1,060 yards on 197 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt while scoring 12 touchdowns. He also earned All-New England honors from the New England Football Writers Association, was a finalist for the Stats Perform Jerry Rice Award, received Stats Perform FCS National Player of the Week honors, and was presented with a New England Football Writers Gold Helmet Weekly Award.
SHU FOOTBALL CAPTAINS
After spring practice concluded, head coach Mark Nofri announced the team captains for the upcoming 2026 season.
Kenny Selby, Curtis Whiting, Tim Suk, Poochie Snyder, and Logan Lyson were selected by their peers for their outstanding leadership, consistent performance, and unwavering commitment to the program.
NOFRI ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES
During the offseason, head coach Mark Nofri announced several new additions and promotions to his 2026 coaching staff.
New to the staff are James Alford (outside linebackers), Chase Murdock (linebackers), and Kyle Woodring (tight ends).
Lou Del Forno, who served as Assistant Defensive Line/Video Coordinator last season, has been promoted to Director of Football Operations.
Â
CHESTNUT RESIGNS WITH TITANS
Former Sacred Heart University football standout Julius Chestnut re-signed with the Tennessee Titans on a one-year contract. As of Monday, Aug. 31, Chestnut secured a spot on the Titans' 53-man roster for the 2026 season.
Chestnut appeared in all 17 games during the 2025 season, making his biggest impact on special teams where he led the team with 17 tackles. He also recorded 11 carries for 40 rushing yards. Originally signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft, Chestnut has steadily contributed in multiple roles.
In 2024, he set career highs with 22 carries for 102 yards and added 337 yards on 13 kickoff returns, ranking second on the team in return yards. Over his career, Chestnut has played in 43 games, totaling 154 rushing yards on 42 carries.
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Players Mentioned
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