Preseason Poll
Kansas City, MO – University of the Cumberlands football will kick off the 2025 season earning recognition in the NAIA Preseason Top-25 Poll, receiving votes as announced by the national office Monday evening. This marks the first time since 2020 that the Patriots have appeared in the preseason rankings.
Cumberlands is coming off a 2024 campaign highlighted by outscoring its opponents 155-64 in its four victories, including a statement 18-14 win over then-No. 24 Lindsey Wilson. That victory was UC's first over the Blue Raiders since 2013 and secured the Patriots' first ranked win of the season.
Head Coach
Shan Housekeeper enters his fourth year at the helm and brings back a strong core of returners, including NAIA First-Team All-American kicker/punter
Job Matossian and quarterback
Drew Gregg. Matossian connected on 13 field goals last fall, three of which came from 40+ yards, while also handling punting duties. Gregg, entering his second season in Williamsburg, accounted for 11 total touchdowns a year ago, seven through the air, three on the ground, and even one receiving, while posting an efficient 121.9 QBR.
Defensively, the Patriots return several key playmakers looking to build on last year's momentum. Sophomore defensive lineman
Hunter Zirkle averaged more than a tackle for loss per game as a freshman, finishing with 23 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 7.5 TFL in just seven contests. Linebackers
Major Newman and
Solomon Dupree also return after finishing among the team's top tacklers in 2024.
The Mid-South Conference once again looks strong, with four teams appearing in the preseason poll. Georgetown opens at No. 9, Campbellsville checks in at No. 20, and Cumberland University joins UC in the receiving votes category with 15.
The Patriots are set to face four teams recognized in the poll this season, including a September 20 home matchup with second-ranked Keiser. UC opens its 2025 campaign this Thursday on the road in the annual Battle for the Brass Lantern against Union Commonwealth University. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET.
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