FRISCO — The Texas A&M University-Commerce football team is predicted to finish sixth in the Southland Conference during the 2023 season.
The preseason poll, which is voted on by the conference's head coaches and sports information directors, was released on Monday morning as part of the 2023 Southland Conference Media Day.
The Lions went 3-3 in SLC play last season, including a road win over nationally ranked and co-conference champion, Southeastern, who edged out national semifinalist UIW for the top spot in this year's poll.
Four Lions also earned preseason all-conference honors in Max Epps (Spring – Dekaney), Sean-Krystoff King (Humble – Summer Creek), Daryion Taylor (Humble – Atascocita), and Leon Young (Dallas – Cedar Hill). This season marks the first under coach Clint Dolezel.
A&M-Commerce received 33 votes in the poll for sixth place, finishing ahead of Lamar and Houston Christian.
The Lions begin their second season in NCAA Division I FCS on August 31 at 7 p.m. inside Ernest Hawkins Field at Memorial Stadium. Southland play also begins at home, against McNeese on October 7 at 7 p.m.
Season tickets, tailgate spots, and reserved parking spots are now on sale for the four home games during the 2023 season and can be purchased at LionAthletics.com/ Tickets.
2023 SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL
1. Southeastern Louisiana
2. Incarnate Word
3. McNeese State
4. Nicholls State
5. Northwestern State
6. A&M-Commerce
7. Lamar
8. Houston Christian