College sports in New Jersey are entering one of the most exciting stretches of the year, with basketball, hockey, cross country, and late-season football driving headlines across campuses large and small. From the energy surrounding Rutgers’ unbeaten start to Seton Hall’s impressive early-season push, to standout performances across Division II and III programs, the state’s athletics scene is brimming with momentum. For fans following every twist and turn of the season, our [college sports] coverage captures just how vibrant and competitive New Jersey’s collegiate landscape has become.

Rutgers has generated plenty of attention to open November, with the men’s basketball program rolling through its early schedule with precision and confidence. The Scarlet Knights recently posted an 80–71 victory over American University, powered by a dominant effort from sophomore forward Dylan Grant, who delivered a 22-point, 11-rebound performance that showcased his growing role as a go-to option. Rutgers closes its five-game homestand on Friday night with a matchup against Central Connecticut State at Jersey Mike’s Arena, where the team will look to maintain its clean record.

The Rutgers women’s basketball team is also in the spotlight. After securing a recent win over FDU, the Scarlet Knights hit the road for their first major trip of the season, meeting Auburn on November 20. Meanwhile, the football program drew big attention during its recent showdown against No. 1 Ohio State—a game that continues to fuel local discussion as Rutgers pushes through the final stretch of its Big Ten campaign.

Seton Hall has matched the buzz with an equally strong early-season surge. The Pirates are off to a 5–0 start, marking their best opening since the 2014–15 season. Their most recent win, a 68–45 victory over New Haven, featured a breakout performance from junior guard Tajuan Simpkins, whose growing consistency has been pivotal to the team’s rhythm. Seton Hall now sets its focus on the Maui Invitational, where the level of competition will spike significantly and offer a clearer picture of the Pirates’ long-term potential.

Across the rest of the state, programs are building notable storylines of their own. At NJIT, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams have picked up early wins, with individual players earning conference recognition within the America East Conference. In Division II, Felician University is celebrating a major achievement after its men’s soccer program captured the CACC Championship—a milestone moment for the Golden Falcons.

Division III athletics in New Jersey continues to thrive as well, with The College of New Jersey posting standout achievements in cross country. The men’s team earned its first regional title since 2005, while the women’s team secured an impressive second-place finish. On the football field, TCNJ recently battled Rowan in a tight game that came down to a fourth-quarter push. The women’s basketball program prepares for a challenging matchup against Christopher Newport later tonight.

This upcoming weekend features a packed slate of high-interest contests across the state. On the men’s side, Rutgers takes on Central Connecticut State, while Saint Peter’s hosts UMass Lowell and Monmouth welcomes Robert Morris. Princeton adds hockey to the lineup as it hosts Clarkson at the historic Hobey Baker Memorial Rink. The women’s schedule brings NJIT into a matchup with Drexel, TCNJ to Stevens, and Seton Hall into a Thursday night meeting with Fordham.

New Jersey’s position as a multifaceted college sports hub continues to strengthen, with programs spanning NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. Rutgers, Seton Hall, Princeton, and Monmouth headline the Division I spotlight, each backed by strong conference alignments and deep athletic traditions. NJIT and Saint Peter’s add layers of competitive flavor within the America East and MAAC. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Athletic Conference remains a uniquely unified core of public universities competing in Division III, providing one of the most consistent and storied athletic environments in the region.

With football entering its final weeks, basketball beginning to accelerate, and fall championships wrapping up, this moment captures the heart of what makes New Jersey’s college sports scene so dynamic. The state’s mix of powerhouse Division I programs, rising mid-majors, and competitive Division III institutions ensures a constant stream of compelling matchups and standout performances from November through spring.

The following are key New Jersey college basketball matchups this weekend (November 22–23, 2025). 

Men’s basketball

• Rutgers vs. Central Connecticut State: The unbeaten Rutgers Scarlet Knights finish their five-game homestand against the Central Connecticut Blue Devils on Friday, November 21, at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
• Saint Peter’s vs. UMass Lowell: The Peacocks will play a home game against the UMass Lowell River Hawks on Saturday, November 22, at 2 p.m.
• Monmouth vs. Robert Morris: The Hawks will host Robert Morris on Sunday, November 23, at 2 p.m. at the OceanFirst Bank Center.
• Princeton vs. Clarkson (Men’s Hockey): In an out-of-state matchup, the Tigers’ hockey team hosts Clarkson on Saturday, November 22, at 7 p.m. at the Hobey Baker Memorial Ice Rink. 

Women’s basketball

• NJIT vs. Drexel: The Highlanders’ women’s team takes on the Drexel Dragons on Saturday, November 22, at 1 p.m. at the Joel and Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center.
• TCNJ vs. Stevens: TCNJ’s women’s team will play at Stevens on Saturday, November 23, at 7 p.m..
• Seton Hall vs. Fordham: The Seton Hall women’s team will host Fordham on Thursday, November 20, at 7 p.m. at Walsh Gymnasium