WACO, Texas — The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) released its preseason edition of the 2026 Division II Coaches Poll, with the ESU football team receiving votes to start the year.
 
The Warriors earned four votes in the initial rankings, coming off an 8-3 2025 season, and enter 2026 picked to finish second in the PSAC East. ESU has two opponents scheduled who appeared in the rankings, facing off against Slippery Rock, who received votes as well, on Sept. 12, and wrapping up its home schedule against No. 3 Kutztown on Oct. 31. In addition to ESU, Kutztown, and Slippery Rock, Indiana (Pa.) and California (Pa.) were also voted on in the poll, with the Crimson Hawks ranking 25^th and the Vulcans receiving votes.
 
ESU opens the season on the road next Thursday at 7 p.m. when the Warriors travel to Greensburg, Pa., to take on Seton Hill.