The TCNJ football team has been projected to finish fourth in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) preseason poll, according to results released by the league office on Friday.
Salisbury, last year’s champion, received six out of eight possible first-place votes and is expected to defend its title. Christopher Newport and Rowan also earned one first-place vote each, placing second and third respectively. Montclair State was ranked just behind TCNJ in fifth place, followed by Kean, William Paterson, and Castleton, which is new to the conference.
TCNJ enters the season with Tyler Moody as its new head coach. The team aims to build on last year’s 6-4 record, which marked its first winning season since 2011. Several key offensive players from last year have graduated, including All-American wide receiver Malin Jasinski and all-region tight end Thomas Burke. However, senior quarterback Dean Licari returns with experienced receivers such as Ryan Gill—who scored seven touchdowns in 2024 and surpassed 1,000 career yards—and Jaiden Johnson. Other returning contributors include junior Alex Dille and sophomore Ryan Mendes. The backfield will feature junior Andrew Spano and sophomore Jordan Morrell.
The offensive line gains transfer Tyler Addonisio alongside seniors Tommy Jurcsek, Thomas Roarty, and Aidan Geisenheimer.
On defense, the Lions bring back several all-conference players: senior Jameson Sessa at defensive end; senior Dave Giulian at linebacker; and senior Justin Kurc in the secondary. Seniors Christian Bennett and Jack Young return to the secondary as well. Dylan Patscher remains at linebacker along with Nick Surdo and Bill Westerby.
Kicker Tim Willever set a program record last season with 37 made extra points as a freshman.
TCNJ will open its 2025 season at Lycoming on September 6 before hosting Wilkes for its home opener on September 13. Non-conference play concludes against Juniata on September 27. The NJAC schedule begins October 4 at Salisbury.
