By Tiffany Williams –
Stony Brook quarterback Chris Zellous was untouchable last week, lighting up Fordham with a performance that will be remembered in Long Island for years. The grad student threw for a career-high 260 yards and three touchdowns while adding 53 more on the ground with a rushing score, powering Stony Brook to a 41-18 dismantling of the Rams. Zellous has become the first SBU quarterback since 2013 to put up three passing TDs and a rushing TD in a single game, a testament to his dual-threat capability and poise in the pocket. Completing 21-of-28 passes at 75 percent, he looked like a man on a mission, threading the needle with precision passes while constantly keeping defenders on their heels with his legs. MarQeese Dietz turned in a career performance of his own, hauling in six catches for 120 yards, including a 93-yard touchdown grab — the second-longest in program history. This win marked SBU’s first of the season, and with Zellous at the helm, the Seawolves might just have found the spark they’ve been missing. Defensively, Dyshier Clark wreaked havoc with eight tackles, three of them for loss, and added two sacks, setting the tone for a team that looks ready to make noise in the CAA.
Over at Rhode Island, linebacker Moses Meus anchored a defense that refused to blink against Holy Cross in a nail-biting 9-7 victory. Meus led the Rams with seven tackles, including a sack and five stops that limited HC to three yards or less. His work in the trenches helped URI hold the Crusaders scoreless in the second half, showing that this is a defense capable of dominating both in the backfield and at the line of scrimmage. Rhode Island’s dominance at Meade Stadium has been historic, with the team riding a 10-game home winning streak, and after their 3-0 start this season, the Rams look primed to make a run at the top of the league. Devin Farrell continues to orchestrate the offense with precision, throwing for 271 yards and rushing for 39 in the win, while Marquis Buchanan emerged as a top receiving threat with five catches for 84 yards.
On special teams, North Carolina A&T’s Andrew Brown and Elon’s Jeff Yurk shared the national spotlight, with both earning Co-Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Brown’s heroics were crucial in a 33-30 double-overtime thriller against Hampton, executing a perfect onside kick to set up a tying 37-yard field goal with 19 seconds left. He also drilled a 49-yarder and was flawless on extra points, a game-management masterclass. Meanwhile, Yurk redefined punting excellence for Elon, averaging a program-record 55.2 yards on six punts in a 37-31 road win at Western Carolina. His 74-yard career-long punt highlighted a punting corps capable of flipping field position at will. Yurk’s season average of 51.4 yards per punt leads the FCS and reflects the rare combination of power and precision that makes a special teams unit more than just a complementary piece — it’s a game-changing weapon.
Elon freshman quarterback Landen Clark continues to impress, contributing 377 total yards and four touchdowns in the same win against WCU. Passing for 305 yards and two scores while adding two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner with less than five minutes to play, Clark demonstrated poise beyond his years. His performance marked the first time an Elon freshman QB has thrown for 300-plus yards in a game since 2017, and with this level of play, the Phoenix could emerge as a legitimate threat in the conference. Supporting cast members like Isaiah Fuhrmann, who posted a career-high 105 receiving yards, and Kahmari Brown, who wreaked havoc with 7 tackles, 3 TFLs, and a sack, make this a team firing on all cylinders.
The conference as a whole has shown a level of balance and depth that could make this season one of the most competitive in recent memory. Four CAA teams currently rank in the FCS Top 25, with Rhode Island at #6 AFCA and #7 Stats Perform, Villanova at #11/12, Monmouth at #18/21, and New Hampshire at #23/25. Bryant continues to make waves, registering a historic victory over FBS program UMass — a milestone that marked the first time in program history the Bulldogs have defeated an FBS opponent. Since 2013, the CAA has had multiple teams notch at least one FBS win each season, highlighting the league’s ability to compete beyond traditional FCS limits. Bryant’s home dominance is evident, and their defense is suffocating opponents, ranking second in FCS in rushing defense at just 67.7 yards per game. Brennan Myer has been efficient, throwing for multiple touchdowns in six of his seven career starts, and Zyheem Collick’s versatility as a receiver and returner keeps defenses on edge.
Monmouth quarterback Derek Robertson is arguably the most prolific passer in the FCS right now, leading the nation in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and total offense. With at least 360 yards and four TDs in every game this season, Robertson has established himself as a legitimate Heisman-caliber talent in the FCS ranks. Josh Derry’s receiving numbers complement Robertson’s aerial assault, with 7 catches for 110 yards and 2 TDs against Charlotte, ranking him 1st in receiving TDs nationally. Yet Monmouth’s recent loss at Charlotte, an FBS program, reminds fans that even elite quarterbacks need support in a well-rounded team effort to convert stats into victories.
Other CAA squads are laying down markers as well. New Hampshire continues to impress on both sides of the ball, eking out a 34-29 win at Ball State behind Matt Vezza’s career-high performance both through the air and on the ground. Caleb Burke’s receiving ability adds depth to an offense that has the potential to dominate in league play. Meanwhile, North Carolina A&T’s use of five quarterbacks through three games shows a fearless experimentation in personnel, a risk-reward strategy that paid off in their double-overtime victory over Hampton. Wesley Graves, Noah Sanders, and Nelson Layne all contributed key plays, while Tim Alderman led the defense with seven tackles, two TFLs, and a sack, solidifying the Aggies as a team capable of executing in high-pressure moments.
Hampton’s loss to A&T didn’t go unnoticed either. Isaiah Freeman produced career highs both in the air and on the ground, tallying 153 passing yards with two TDs and 129 rushing yards with a score. LB Harold O’Neal III had the type of game that reverberates in locker rooms for years, recording 18 tackles and 3 TFLs — the most for a Hampton player in over a decade. The Pirates’ defense, despite surrendering the game, showed flashes of dominance with 11 tackles for loss, indicating that the talent is there and execution is the key.
Maine continues to demonstrate its defensive prowess, ranking at the top in total defense (280 yards per game) and producing standouts like Christian Thomas, who leads the conference in tackles for loss. Sincere Baines’ 100-yard rushing performance against Stonehill illustrates a balanced approach, pairing dominant defensive units with capable offensive execution. Towson, despite a brutal 44-17 loss at Maryland, had flashes of offensive brilliance with Jaceon Doss hauling in an 84-yard touchdown pass, the program’s longest since 2016, showing that explosive plays are possible even against Power Five competition.
Villanova and William & Mary faced tough non-conference tests against FBS opponents, both taking losses, but the Wildcats’ defensive unit, led by LB Shane Hartzell, and W&M’s Luke Banbury proved that their teams can still fight and limit damage under intense pressure. Brandon Binkowski’s leaping touchdown for Villanova against Penn State was a moment of individual brilliance that will be replayed for years in highlight reels, while Deven Thompson’s 79-yard score for W&M shows that speed and precision can shine even in blowouts.
As the CAA heads into Week 4, attention shifts to pivotal conference matchups, including No. 11 Villanova visiting No. 18 Monmouth and Bryant opening league play at Campbell. Rivalries like Hampton vs Howard in the 100th Battle for the Real HU and the Eagle-Aggie Classic between North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central add extra intensity to an already competitive schedule. Teams riding momentum, like Rhode Island, Villanova, and Bryant, could consolidate top spots, while teams like Elon, A&T, and Stony Brook look to stake claims and establish themselves as true contenders. Defensive consistency, quarterback execution, and special teams performance will define outcomes, and the league is shaping up for a season where any team can make a statement on any given Saturday.
CAA football in 2025 is a showcase of individual excellence, program-defining victories, and relentless competition. From Zellous’ dual-threat heroics to Meus’ defensive mastery, Yurk’s booming punts, and Clark’s fearless freshman play, the conference is producing storylines worthy of national attention. The mix of historic rivalries, top-25 matchups, and continued FBS upsets cements the CAA as one of the most exciting leagues in college football. Every week brings the potential for records, milestones, and highlight-reel plays, and with the blend of experience and young talent, this season promises to deliver dramatic, edge-of-your-seat football.