RICHMOND, Ky. – Coming off a 2022 season that resulted in the team's first conference title since 2011 and first playoff appearance since 2014, the EKU football team was picked to win the United Athletic Conference in the preseason coaches poll.

EKU totaled the most points in the preseason poll with 71 and earned two first-place votes. Central Arkansas ranked behind the Colonels as the Bears picked up 69 points and five first-place votes. Austin Peay totaled one first-place votes and 57 total points to rank third. Stephen F. Austin earned 54 points to rank fourth, while Abilene Christian ranked fifth 52 points. 

In 2022, EKU won the ASUN regular-season championsihp and reached the NCAA FCS Playoffs for the 22nd time in program history. EKU has been nationally ranked in each of the last two seasons and set a program record with 434 points scored last year. The Colonels also led the ASUN in total offense, passing offense, team passing efficiency, third-down conversion percentage, kickoff return average, and defensive touchdowns. EKU opens the 2023 season at Cincinnati on Sept. 2 at 3:30 p.m.

2023 United Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches Poll
Team (First-Place Votes)                Points
1.    EKU (2)                                    71
2.    Central Arkansas (5)                69
3.    Austin Peay (1)                        57
4.    Stephen F. Austin                    54
5.    Abilene Christian                     52
6.    Tarleton State                          37
t-7.  Utah Tech (1)                          25
t-7.  Southern Utah                        25
9.    North Alabama                       15