Montclair, NJ — The Montclair State University football team, led by Head Coach Mike Palazzo, is set to kick off its 2025 season with the release of its fall schedule.

The Red Hawks will play a 10-game slate this year, featuring five home games, five road contests, and seven matchups in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC).

Montclair opens the season under the lights on Friday, September 5, with a road game against the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The team's home opener will take place on Saturday, September 13, as the Red Hawks return to Hinchliffe Stadium to host Lycoming.

Following a bye in Week 3, Montclair will play its first game at Sprague Field on Saturday, September 27, when it hosts Wilkes for Homecoming Weekend. NJAC play begins the following week on Saturday, October 4, with a road trip to Kean University.

The Red Hawks will then host back-to-back conference games: Rowan comes to town on Saturday, October 11, for the annual Breakfast Bowl, followed by a matchup against Salisbury on Saturday, October 18.

Montclair will hit the road for its next two games, traveling to new NJAC member Vermont State–Castleton on Saturday, October 25, and then to Christopher Newport on Saturday, November 1.

The final home game of the season will take place on Saturday, November 8, against The College of New Jersey. The Red Hawks will close out the regular season on Saturday, November 15, with a road game at William Paterson.

The NJAC champion will be determined by the best conference record at the conclusion of the regular season, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Montclair State will look to bounce back in 2025 after finishing 3–7 overall and 1–5 in NJAC play last season.