The Breakfast Bowl Returns: Rowan and Montclair Renew Jersey’s Tastiest Rivalry

photo: ig/rowanfootball

New Jersey’s most delicious football tradition is back for its second helping this Saturday, as Rowan University and Montclair State square off in the annual Breakfast Bowl — a game that celebrates state pride, fierce football, and the timeless debate that divides the Garden State: Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham.

What started last fall as a playful rivalry game has already become one of the most unique matchups in New Jersey college football. The Breakfast Bowl isn’t just about bragging rights — it’s a collaboration between both universities and the Red Hawk Pantry and SHOP (Rowan's Food Pantry), using the spotlight of college football to raise awareness and donations for families facing food insecurity across the state.

Last season’s inaugural game in Glassboro lived up to the hype, with Rowan edging Montclair State 16-10 in overtime to claim the first-ever Breakfast Bowl trophy. The Profs, backed by their passionate home crowd, extended their winning streak in the NJAC rivalry — they’ve now taken three straight over the Red Hawks heading into this weekend’s rematch.

This year, the stage shifts north to Sprague Field in Montclair, where the Red Hawks (2-2) look to flip the script and even the Breakfast Bowl series. Rowan enters at 2-1-1 and once again leans on its physical defense and disciplined run game to maintain control of this growing rivalry.

And of course, the fun doesn’t stop at the final whistle. Fans are once again encouraged to pick a side in New Jersey’s oldest argument — whether the state’s signature breakfast meat is called Pork Roll (South Jersey’s choice) or Taylor Ham (North Jersey’s claim). The debate fuels the game’s identity and has become part of the donation drive and online banter between both schools.

Whether you’re Team Pork Roll or Team Taylor Ham, Saturday’s matchup captures everything that makes New Jersey football special — local pride, tradition, and a little friendly competition. The Breakfast Bowl may only be in its second year, but it already feels like a classic.