BUENA VISTA, Va. — The USA South Athletic Conference's football coaches have released the 2026 preseason poll, with Southern Virginia University selected to finish tied for sixth.

LaGrange, the defending USA South champion, was placed atop the rankings for the first time in program history after receiving 48 total points and six of the possible eight first-place votes.

Southern Virginia and Greensboro College were tied for sixth with 18 points apiece. The Knights have never been picked higher than eighth in the preseason poll during their previous five seasons in the conference.

Following a historic 2025 campaign, Southern Virginia finished fifth in the USA South standings with a 3-4 conference record, earning increased recognition from around the league for their highest preseason placement in program history.

Southern Virginia opens the 2026 season on the road, traveling to defending NCAA Division III champion and No. 7-ranked UW–River Falls for a Thursday matchup on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_ftbl on Instagram or X.