By: Andrew Clausen
Complete AFCA Preseason Coaches' Poll
KENNESAW, Ga. – In the first-ever AFCA FCS Preseason Coaches' Top 25 Poll, Kennesaw State football claimed the No. 5 spot, the association announced Monday.
Already a consensus preseason top-5 team, the Owls also received the honor from STATS FCS, College Football America, HERO Sports, Athlon Sports, and Street and Smith.
The reigning Big South Champions once again round out a poll's top 5, ranking just behind their 2017 FCS quarterfinal opponent Sam Houston State and ahead of 2018 regular-season opponent Jacksonville State.
2018 STATS FCS Preseason Top 25
1. North Dakota State
2. James Madison
3. South Dakota State
4. Sam Houston State
5. Kennesaw State
6. Jacksonville State
7. Eastern Washington
8. Weber State
9. New Hampshire
10. Samford
The preseason poll places two top-10 opponents on Kennesaw State's 2018 home schedule – Jacksonville State is just behind the Owls at No. 6, setting up the Nov. 17 showdown at the home of the Atlanta Braves, SunTrust Park; Samford (Sept. 29) rounds out the poll's top 10.
Kennesaw State finished 12-2 in 2017, ranking No. 8 in the final national poll after becoming the first NCAA Division I program to make the FCS quarterfinals in its third year. The Owls' 12 victories set a new NCAA record for an FCS program in just its third season and their 12-straight wins marked the longest hot streak in Big South history. KSU capped the historic season as the country's leading offensive attack and the conference's leading defense.
Season tickets are still available for the 2018 campaign. Also now available is the mini plan package that includes tickets to Samford, Campbell and the highly anticipated matchup against Jacksonville State at SunTrust Park. Fans can purchase season tickets or mini plan packages by clicking HERE or calling the KSU Department of Athletics ticket office at 470-578-4849.
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