Football 8/11/2025 2:41:26 PM
Five Patriot League teams recognized, as Lafayette, Holy Cross and Bucknell received votes
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh, the defending Patriot League champion and preseason favorite, and Richmond were ranked in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) FCS Coaches Poll when the preseason poll was announced.
Lehigh was selected No. 15 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, after ranking No. 14 in the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 earlier this month. Head coach Kevin Cahill and the Mountain Hawks finished the 2024 season ranked No. 22 by the AFCA after an FCS Playoff win against Richmond, the program’s first postseason victory since 2011.
Richmond begins its first campaign in the Patriot League, tying for No. 22 in the AFCA Coaches Poll. The Spiders finished the 2024 season at No. 17 in the poll. Head coach Russ Huesman has guided his program to the FCS Playoffs in each of the last three seasons, advancing to the second round twice. The Spiders were ranked No. 25 in the Stats Perform Poll and second in the Patriot League Preseason Poll.
Lafayette, Holy Cross and Bucknell all received votes in the AFCA’s preseason poll.
All eight Patriot League teams will be in action during Week One, including a League matchup between No. 22/25 Richmond and No. 15/14 Lehigh on Saturday, Aug. 30 on ESPN+. For more information on the Patriot League’s 2025 football schedule, CLICK HERE.
AFCA POLLS