ARLINGTON, Texas (July 21, 2026) – The United Athletic Conference revealed the preseason coaches poll and preseason all-conference team for the 2026 season on Tuesday during the UAC Football Kickoff event hosted at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas.
Two Lions were listed on the All-UAC Preseason Team in a vote of the league's head coaches, including junior edge rusher Fred Vili and senior linebacker Tango McCauley Jr.
Both are among the returning tackle leaders in the UAC, as Vili had 41 tackles and 8.0 for loss, including four sacks. McCauley Jr. ranked third on the team last season with 58 tackles, including 3.5 for loss.
In a vote of the eight head coaches, North Alabama was picked seventh in the preseason poll with 37 points. The Lions were just two points behind sixth place West Georgia and were four points ahead of eighth place West Florida — who enters its first Division I season in 2026.
Abilene Christian and Tarleton State — the 2026 UAC Co-Champions — were tied for first in the preseason poll with 65 points. Each team earned three first place votes. Austin Peay earned the other two first place votes and settled in third with 62 points. EKU and Central Arkansas rounded out the top five with 48 and 43 points, respectively.
Returning Austin Peay quarterback Chris Parson was voted the Preseason UAC Offensive Player of the Year, while EKU's Kaden Smith was voted the UAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Smith is the top returning tackler in the UAC from last season with 7.0 per game.
ACU led the league with eight players on the preseason team.
This information was distributed at the UAC Football Kickoff event moments before going live on ESPN+. North Alabama is represented at the event by head coach Brent Dearmon, redshirt junior quarterback Destin Wade and senior defensive lineman Jyheam Ingram.
The Lions open the season on Saturday, August 29 at 6 p.m. against Samford at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville, Ala. Fans can purchase tickets for this game at this link or by calling 256-765-5466. Fans can also call the same number or visit this link for season ticket information for the first season at Bank Independent Stadium.
Preseason Coaches Poll: Click Here
Preseason All-UAC Team: Click Here
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
