Defending champion Stephen F. Austin has been voted to repeat as the Southland Conference champion for the 2026 season. The Lumberjacks topped the preseason poll with 77 points, securing six out of ten first-place votes, closely followed by Southeastern Louisiana and Lamar. SFA starts the season ranked No. 13 nationally in the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25, highlighting their strong return after a historic 2025 campaign. The Jacks have a competitive schedule, facing their key rivals in a span of four weeks. The season kicks off on August 29 against McNeese in Lake Charles.

By the Numbers
  • SFA received 77 total points and six first-place votes in the preseason poll.
  • The Jacks concluded 2025 ranked No. 7 nationally and achieved 11 wins, their most since 1995.
State of Play
  • The Southland Conference preseason ranking sees SFA leading the pack.
  • SFA will host Southeastern Louisiana on October 24, marking their first home game against them since 2016.
What's Next

SFA will face tough competition in the upcoming months, with games against Southeastern Louisiana, Lamar, and UTRGV all lined up in succession. With the high expectations set by their 2025 success, the Lumberjacks aim to not only defend their Southland title but also improve their national ranking.

Bottom Line

With high hopes for the new season and a strong preseason ranking, SFA is positioned for a powerful 2026. The combination of returning talent and a favorable schedule sets the stage for another championship run.