As the 2025-2026 winter sports season heats up, New Jersey colleges are making waves in basketball, wrestling, and athletic recognition, with standout performances across multiple programs. From nationally ranked basketball teams to emerging wrestling conferences, local collegiate sports are showing both promise and challenges.
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has been a focal point in recent sports news. Senior safety Justin Kurc earned All-Region honors from D3football.com after leading the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) with six interceptions, cementing his status as one of the region’s top defensive players. TCNJ’s men’s basketball team currently holds a No. 24 national ranking, buoyed by recent wins over DeSales and Wesleyan, while the women’s squad has posted key victories against Kean and Stockton, highlighting strong early-season form for both programs.
At Rutgers University, anticipation is building ahead of the Garden State Hardwood Classic, where the men’s basketball team will face Seton Hall this Saturday. The team comes off challenging losses to Michigan and No. 1 Purdue, testing their resilience as they approach mid-season matchups. Rutgers’ women’s basketball team continues its campaign against Princeton tonight, aiming to integrate new coaching staff while returning five experienced players. The university’s women’s swimming and diving program also announced eight new team members today, adding depth and talent. Rutgers is actively searching for a new athletic director after a top candidate withdrew, a move that will shape the program’s leadership moving forward.
New Jersey City University (NJCU) has seen strong performances from its wrestling teams over the weekend, with athletes such as Torre and Hunte achieving notable finishes. Looking ahead, NJCU is set to join CUNYAC institutions in establishing a new Division III wrestling conference by 2027, reflecting the school’s commitment to expanding competitive opportunities for student-athletes. The women’s basketball team will face Stockton tonight at 5:30 p.m., offering fans another chance to support NJCU’s growing programs.
At Ramapo College, the men’s volleyball program is preparing to join the Landmark Conference as an associate member in the 2026-2027 academic year, while both the men’s and women’s indoor track & field teams recently opened their season at the TCNJ Indoor Open, showcasing emerging talent across disciplines.
Meanwhile, Rider University men’s basketball faced a difficult outing on Tuesday, December 9, falling 51-38 to Bucknell at Alumni Gymnasium. The Broncs scored under 40 points for the first time in over five years, with turnovers nearly matching field goals made and no player reaching double digits. Sophomore guard Flash Burton struggled, contributing three points on 1-of-9 shooting, highlighting the team’s offensive challenges. Coach Kevin Baggett emphasized the need for better discipline, ball movement, and consistent execution to stabilize performance in upcoming games. Injured forward Zion Cruz missed his second straight game but is expected to return soon.
New Jersey’s college sports scene reflects both triumphs and hurdles, from standout individual honors and national rankings to teams adjusting to injuries and leadership changes. Fans can track schedules, results, and daily updates on local programs through the Explore New Jersey College Sports portal, offering comprehensive coverage of all in-state collegiate athletic activity.
With high-stakes matchups, emerging talent, and historic performances, New Jersey’s colleges continue to provide excitement and drama across basketball, wrestling, and beyond this season.
