Montclair State basketball is 24-0, led by former Rutgers walk-on

The Red Hawks are the top-ranked team in Division 3, playing a style that could short-circuit a scoreboard. Montvale's Jacob Morales is the catalyst.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Montclair State University's men's basketball team is currently 24-0 and ranked No. 1 in Division 3. The team is led by senior forward Jacob Morales, a former walk-on at Rutgers who has blossomed into a star at the Division 3 level. Montclair State is averaging 93 points per game, shooting 40.6% from 3-point range, forcing 21.5 turnovers, and recording 21.9 assists per game, playing a fast-paced, up-tempo style that has overwhelmed opponents.

Why it matters

Montclair State's undefeated season and No. 1 ranking in Division 3 basketball has generated significant buzz, both on campus and in the broader New Jersey basketball community. The Red Hawks' success highlights the high level of talent in Division 3 basketball, which is often overlooked compared to the higher-profile Division 1 programs. Morales' journey from Rutgers walk-on to Division 3 star also demonstrates the opportunities available for players at the Division 3 level.

The details

Morales, a 6-foot-4 senior forward from Montvale, New Jersey, is averaging team-highs of 19.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, while also contributing 3.2 assists, shooting 39.6% from 3-point range, 47.9% from the field, and 81.1% from the free-throw line. Montclair State's fast-paced, high-scoring style is led by Morales and complemented by a talented supporting cast, including sophomore guard Kabrien Goss (13.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 44.2% 3PT), freshman guard Cristian Nicholson (11.6 ppg, 5.0 apg, 47.9% 3PT), and others.

  • Montclair State is 24-0 heading into Wednesday's regular-season finale at The College of New Jersey.
  • On Jan. 10, Montclair State came back from a 4-point deficit with under 10 seconds left, stealing the inbounds pass and hitting two 3-pointers to defeat Stockton University.

The players

Jacob Morales

A 6-foot-4 senior forward from Montvale, New Jersey, who is the leading scorer and rebounder for the undefeated Montclair State Red Hawks. Morales previously spent two years as a walk-on at Rutgers before transferring to Montclair State in 2024.

Justin Potts

The head coach of the Montclair State men's basketball team, who has never lost a player to the transfer portal in his seven years leading the program.

Sean Rossi

The associate head coach of the Montclair State men's basketball team, who is known as the program's offensive guru and has worked extensively with Morales on his development.

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What they’re saying

“The system is awesome, so much fun to play in. Everything is moving so fast, when you come out of the game and you look at the scoreboard you're like, 'wow.'”

— Jacob Morales (app.com)

“Most important for us is giving these guys a chance to really enjoy their experience and maximize the time we have together – to compete like crazy but also have a lot of fun.”

— Justin Potts, Head Coach, Montclair State (app.com)

“This is awesome for the league, it's awesome for your university and it's great for New Jersey.”

— Marc Brown, Head Coach, New Jersey City University (app.com)

What’s next

Montclair State will play their regular-season finale against The College of New Jersey on Wednesday, followed by the New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament and the NCAA Division 3 Tournament, where they will have the opportunity to host games through the Sweet 16 before the final rounds in Indianapolis.

The takeaway

Montclair State's undefeated season and top national ranking in Division 3 basketball has brought well-deserved attention to the high level of talent and competitiveness found in the Division 3 ranks, which is often overshadowed by the higher-profile Division 1 programs. The Red Hawks' fast-paced, high-scoring style and the inspiring story of Jacob Morales' journey from Rutgers walk-on to Division 3 star have captivated the local basketball community and could inspire other players to pursue opportunities at the Division 3 level.