August 26th, 2026 12:00am
There’s a different feel around the South Atlantic Conference heading into 2026: A new conference commissioner (shoutout Lindsey Babcock and welcome to the party), a new era of postseason selection with the NPI, plenty of coaching and roster movement, and a schedule loaded with intriguing matchups make this one of the most difficult seasons to predict in recent memory. And, frankly, after covering this league for several years, I feel less prepared heading into Week 0 than I have at any point before.
Part of that is the nature of college football right now. The transfer portal has made roster turnover a year-round reality, and at the Division II level, it can be difficult to keep track of who is actually on a roster from one season to the next. I don’t ever recall having to text a SID or coach and ask if “player x” is still there. Add the usual graduation losses, coaching changes and players emerging from nowhere, and trying to figure out what these teams will look like on a Saturday in September can feel like a moving target. That's not necessarily a bad thing—it makes the season more unpredictable, and perhaps more entertaining—but it certainly makes the job of predicting it a little more difficult.
And that's what makes Week 0 so much fun. There are plenty of questions to answer and some outstanding matchups right out of the gate. Just look at the pick ‘em on Sunday night’s show. As Chuck, Tony, Witt and Ferg pointed out, there are games that didn’t make the super seven that would be THE game of the week most weeks. Who is ready to make the jump from contender to conference champion? Does somebody come from seemingly nowhere like Newberry did in 2025? Which teams will take a step forward? Which preseason assumptions will look silly by October? We don't have to wait long to start finding out. The 2026 SAC season is here, and, for perhaps the first time in a while, I'm not sure any of us really know exactly what we're about to see.
👀 Three Things I'm Watching
🔮 Bold Prediction
There’s a chance that the team who ends up winning the SAC this year starts the year 0-1.
** Both Newberry and Mars Hill are off this week. **
🏆 SAC Game of the Week
Emory & Henry Wasps at #15 Valdosta State Blazers
Location & Time: Valdosta, GA / 7:00 PM
Series: First Ever Meeting
Why it matters: A win theoretically gives either team a solid out of conference win that will strengthen the numbers. A loss doesn’t hurt as badly but it’s always great to start things off 1-0. A win also would give the Wasps a sliver of a redemption feeling, as Valdosta State winning the AQ last year likely knocked the Wasps out of the playoffs.
Emory & Henry, for two straight seasons, has been on the cusp on making the dance to use basketball terminology. The Wasps have gone 17-5 over the past two seasons, and have been known for having some hard-hitting, blue-collar defenses. But now, after losing eight starters, the Blue & Gold have to reset a little bit on that side of the ball. Gone are all-everything studs Shawn Collins and Ean Rhea. Chandrick Cann is gone. Branch, Porter, Burgess, Harrison, just a slew of dudes. And the Wasps lost some key dudes on the other side of the ball as well. Jordan Jackson and Cam Peoples, the two best weapons, are gone. With Charles Mutter III transferring, the job is solely Cole Lambert’s. Lambert has played in 21 games over three seasons, making several starts. He and Tusculum’s Teddy Gleaton are probably the most experienced projected starting guys in the league. The bottom line is, like many other teams in the SAC, the abundance of talent that departed Emory, Virginia seems to put a lot of question marks that are unanswered until we get into gameplay. But this may be Coach Hunter’s biggest challenge yet.
Valdosta State made the playoffs again in 2025, but it was a wild ride to get there. After starting 2-4 and being left for dead by most, they reeled off four straight wins, including an overtime thriller over West Florida to gain the Gulf South’s automatic bid to the playoffs (RIP to the Argos and the GSC AQ). Coach Craig’s team was a trendy upset pick over Albany State in the playoffs but fell after giving up two late touchdowns. A D2 Blue Blood, it will be interesting to see what the future holds not just for the Blazers, but the rest of the GSC with just three football members now. Valdosta has just 9 games scheduled this year, eight against D2 competition. Room for errors is even smaller than before. Preseason standouts for them are Jameson Holcomb, Shawn Paschall, Ty Merkle, Rickey Ransom (elite last name for a DB), and Julius Pascal. Good news for them? Can’t finish worse than third!
Projected Score: Valdosta State 29, Emory & Henry 27.
My Pick: Blazers survive the humidity
Wasps thrive in warm weather but can suffer in extreme heat, becoming more active and aggressive up to a point, then seeking shade or water to avoid overheating. The comfortable temp for a Wasps is between 68°F to 86°F. It’ll be in the 90s and humid. Valdosta is a tough place to play and win, so I’m going with the Blazers in this early season matchup.
THURSDAY GAMES
#22 Wingate Bulldogs at UNC Pembroke Braves
Location & Time: Pembroke, NC / TBA
Series: Wingate leads series, 10-3. (Wingate won last meeting, 30-21, in 2025)
The Wingate Bulldogs have been an almost under the radar program in the D2 landscape, going 45-14 in the “NIL Era” and they haven’t won less than eight games since 2015. Coach Jordan has continued that and while the Bulldogs have a lot of talent exodus the roster from 2025, there’s no reason to believe they won’t just reload and make another playoff appearance and be a threat to win the conference. The outstanding trio of Elijah Holmes-Xavier Pugh-Jaylin Himes is gone, all to D1 schools via the portal. There are multiple guys listed on the roster at quarterback, but Brooks Brien is the only one who’s attempted passed for the #OneDog. Wingate also lost several defense studs (Green, Lipscomb to name a few), so it seems like it may be more of a reload of talent than in recent years. A tough early season schedule will put these guys to the test, and we will find out early, in a week zero matchup against an in-state rival, what these Bulldogs are made of.
Coach Mark Hall and the UNC Pembroke Braves are hoping to erase the last month of the 2025 season and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016. After starting the season 6-1, the Braves got shut down twice by North Greenville in the last four games, including the league championship for the automatic bid, and were left watching late November football. Picked to finish second in the conference in 2026, they will be led by the trio of all-conference performers from last year: Justin Foreman, Laden Ford, and Que Kennedy. Coach Hall has to start with replacing its two best offensive playmakers: Tre Robinson and Joel Felder. The two combined for nearly 1,000 yards rushing and Robinson threw for almost 2,500 yards. Leading receiver JaQuan Albright has also departed, but Kennedy and Malik Brown each put up over 600 yards. Still an elite duo. On the defensive side, while there are many very good players, Isi Etute is the man to watch. Five sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 50 combined tackles in 2025 has put the young man on the Cliff Harris award watch list.
Projected Score: Wingate 30, UNC Pembroke 23.
My Pick: ‘Dogs get the Braves again.
Common theme to every game in 2026 college football: lots of unknowns. What is known Is the head coaches, and I give the advantage to Wingate. Wingate has won six straight over their instate rivals. One thing that is known in this game? It will be physical. Rock fight, slobber knocker, whatever you want to call it. Helmets will be cracked in this one.
Bluefield State Big Blue at Tusculum Pioneers
Location & Time: Greeneville, TN / 6:00 PM
Series: Tusculum leads 1-0. (Tusculum won only other meeting, 49-23, in 2025)
The Big Blue of Bluefield State and head coach Davon Morgan are looking to turn the corner in the programs 6th year since returning in 2021. Over the past five seasons, they’ve gone 13-32, with eight of those wins the first two years. Coach Morgan’s team was picked to finish 9th in the CIAA preseason poll and is led by a wide receiver Brandon Wiley, who was recently named to the 2026 Deacon Jones Player of the Year Watch List. Announced by the Black College Football Hall of Fame, the award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College or University. Last year when these two teams met, it was a track meet in the first half with Tusculum taking a 28-23 lead into the intermission. Second half? Different stories. The Pioneers shut them out on their way to a 49-23 win in West Virginia. Wiley had four catches for over 200 yards and a pair of scores.
Coach Taylor and the Pioneers are hoping to see some of the fruits of their labor in 2026, coming off back-to-back 1-9 seasons. The problem last year was largely the inability to score (under 14 PPG) and to stop people (over 33 PPG). As I stated in my preview column, replacing Rashad Watson is a huge task and they will need career years out of guys like Cameron Garnett and Malachi Jim-Lawson. and improving on offense were the two biggest obstacles in 2026 for Coach Taylor’s ball club. The offense returns one of the more underrated lineman in the league in Gabe McLamb, and both of its leading pass catchers (Ashton Hagans and Javon Richardson), but in an option offense…..Lavante Adams played some under center last year, but Carson-Newman transfer Teddy Gleaton may be the guy. The senior back is hoping this year is finally the year he stays healthy. The Pioneers also nabbed a running back from their rivals in Cam Ferguson. Ferguson is hoping for a big year after seeing his carries go down in 2025. He will be one of a slew of guys trying to replace the four of five leading rushers who are no longer in Greeneville, three of whom went the opposite direction of Cam and Teddy.
Projected Score: Tusculum 37, Bluefield State 22.
My Pick: Pioneers start the year off 1-0.
There are two things that these teams have in common: 1) both have very good broadcast PxP’s. Bluefield State’s crew is one of my absolute favorites. And my guy Matthew Palazzo is one of the guys on the mic for the Pioneers. 2) Neither team will be playing late November football I think. Tusculum has more firepower on offense, though Wiley might be the best player in the game. I expect slightly higher scoring that the projected score and think the Pioneers make 1-2 more plays.
Anderson Trojans at Furman Paladins
Location & Time: Greenville, SC / 7:00 PM
Series: First Ever Meeting
Anderson made some improvements in year two of having a program over year one, but there is still a bit to go before they are competing near the top of the SAC. They won two more games, including a massive win over Lenoir-Rhyne IN Hickory. They fell just short against Mars Hill and SAC Champion Newberry but were rather non-competitive against the other top teams. In fact, outside of the win over Lenoir-Rhyne, their four wins were against teams that were a combined 5-32 against D2 competition. Like other teams in the league, and I’ve mentioned this what feels like 1,000 times, Anderson’s first priority is to replace the quarterback. Tyler Wesley is gone, and he was the heart and soul of the team. Wilson Edwards played in parts of six games last year for the Trojans but also keep an eye on two transfers: Seth Smith (Valdosta State) and Logan Landers (West Virginia Wesleyan). Bryson James, JB Seay Jr., Jalon Warthen-Carr and Jonathan Bowden are all gone, but Kenneth Brown and Zay Williams are a good combo, and I like the addition of Seth Fishbach from UVA Wise. He had a good 2024.
Historic SoCon power Furman will kick off their season, and 10th under head coach Clay Hendrix, looking to restore some old glory. The Paladins were a mainstay in the FCS playoffs for nearly a quarter century from 1982-2006, but the program has taken some steps back since, seeing the post season five times over the past two decades. They haven’t been back since 2023 and are coming off a 6-6 campaign. It would be an extremely tough start to the 2026 season if the Paladins got upset by the Trojans, especially with a trip to Knoxville to take on the Volunteers a week later.
Projected Score: Furman 37, Anderson 10.
My Pick: Furman wins.
Furman, despite being down for their standards in recent years, has too much talent top to bottom for the Trojans to compete in this game for four quarters. I obviously hope I am wrong and will be openly cheering for Coach Lamb and the guys. But Anderson just doesn’t quite have the talent to knock off SoCon teams just yet.
Tiffin Dragons at Carson-Newman Eagles
Location & Time: Jefferson City, TN / 7:00 PM
Series: First Ever Meeting
Tiffin is coming off a 7-4 season that saw them finish in fourth in a highly competitive GMAC and were picked by coaches to finish in the four slot this year. The Dragons’ four losses were by a combined 19 points, threw of which were against NCAA playoff teams (National Champion Ferris State, Ashland, and Northwood). Zack Blair is the new head coach for the Green & Gold, after serving as assistant the past two seasons. He takes over a program that has gone 40-17 since 2021 and has some holes to fill due to the portal and graduation. Two key players to watch this year are Ronald Blackman and Jacob Tueimeh. Tueimeh was recently named to our Elite 100 watchlist after an outstanding year last year. Blackmon was the Dragons leading rusher and third in receiving.
Picked to finish 4th by the coaches, it is now the Tyler Almond Show in Mossy Creek, Tennessee. Almond takes over for Ashley Ingram (who left for VMI) and most feel-like things will continue for the Eagles. In 2024 they played in the SAC championship game against Wingate, and last year did again (essentially) against Newberry. While there was a lot of returning talent, there is also a lot of “first” going on and the Eagles will be tested early against a stout Tiffin team. First year head coach, first year offensive coordinator (Tanner Fleming), first year defensive coordinator (Caleb Goins), and at least to start the year, a redshirt freshman quarterback under center. The Eagles defense should be stout again and the offense, with five returning and healthy offensive linemen, should be alright as well.
Projected Score: Carson-Newman 24, Tiffin 22
My Pick: Eagles grind out a win.
November 11, 2023. The last time a Carson-Newman football team lost at home. For the Dragons to get a big road win, they will obviously need to stop the run. But due to the offense the Eagles run, Tiffin will need to score when they have the ball, or the Eagles will shorten the game. I like C-N’s ability to run the ball against this Tiffin defense, and force someone else besides Blackmon to beat them.
UVA Wise Cavaliers at Presbyterian Blue Hose
Location & Time: Clinton, SC / 7:00 PM
Series: First Ever Meeting
Projected to finish 9th by the league coaches, there is nowhere really to go but up in year three for Coach Bass and the Highland Cavaliers. UVA Wise went 1-9 last season, with their lone victory coming against last place Tusculum. 2025 was a rebuilding season. And it’s hard to win a lot of football games when your offense cannot move the ball and score, and the defense is on the opposite end of that chain. McCalan Beason takes over for Jake Corkren under center. 2nd team all-conference running back Daniel Thomas looks to build off a great 2025 and establish himself as the premier back. Some other Cavaliers listed by the league as guys to watch were offensive lineman Jack Tews, defensive lineman KD Long, linebacker Jalen Pickens, and defensive back Braylon Henry. All will be absolutely vital if this team moves above preseason expectations.
Presbyterian is coming off their best season since making the transition to the FCS level in 2007, winning 10 games and finishing tied for second in the Pioneer League. Highlighted by opening week wins over #11 Mercer and historical FCS power program in Furman, the Blue Hose just missed out on the postseason; something they haven’t accomplished since 2005 when they were still a member of the SAC. Steve Englehart left after the season for another former D2 program in West Georgia, and filling his seat is Matt Rahl. The former Missouri Southern tight end has been on staff in Clinton since 2024.
Projected Score: Presbyterian 41, UVA Wise 12.
My Pick: Presbyterian sends the Cavaliers to 0-1.
New coach and turnover of the roster don’t make much difference in this one. Presbyterian is too good for the Cavaliers, though everybody who is a SAC person and especially SAC-8 person is rooting hard for the Cavaliers to knock off the Blue Hose.
FRIDAY GAME
#16 Virginia Union Panthers at Lenoir-Rhyne Bears
Location & Time: Hickory, NC / 6:00 PM
Series: Virginia Union leads series, 2-1. (Virginia Union won last meeting, 44-12, in 2024 D2 Playoffs)
Virginia Union has been not only one of the better HBCU programs over the past five years, but one of the better programs period. Dr. Parker and the Panthers have gone 45-14 over the past five years, with four straight playoff appearances and a 2024 regional final appearance. That’s not even touching on having back-to-back 2,000-yard rushers in Jada Byers and Curtis Allen. Both those guys are gone now, so we shall see what running back comes out of nowhere this year to put up a couple grand. The great news though is RJ Rosales is back for his graduate year. Play is never over with that young man back there and Dr. Parker may need a monstrous year from his veteran signal caller. A few other Panthers to keep an eye on are defensive back Jymere Melendez, and punt return specialist Zyaire Tart. They were the only two preseason All-CIAA selections for a team picked to win the league. Odd.
After starting the year 2-3, the Bears rattled off four of six to finish 6-5, including one of the most insane endings I can remember against Catawba. The standards in Hickory are high and have been for a decade now. The Bears have been one of the top programs in the region during that time. Coach Socha’s ball club, like everyone else in the conference, has a lot to replace but some nice pieces remain in the 828. Tye Roberson is the biggest name. He led the country in 2025 with three kickoff-return TDs and a 41.92-yard average, earning AFCA First-Team All-American honors. He's also listed among LR's key players to watch at RB/returner. LJ Turner gives them another experienced running back. Rubens Joseph returns on the offensive line. Carnell Ferguson, Brodie Bradburn and KJ Whitehead are among the defensive players to watch. A brutal beginning stretch could be a problem, opening with Virginia Union, West Alabama, Newberry and Wingate out the gate. But if the Bears can navigate through that, playoff football is within reach for the preseason #3.
Projected Score: Lenoir-Rhyne 30, Virginia Union 26.
My Pick: Virginia Union picks off the Bears.
The last time I picked the Bears over the Panthers, well it went over like a screen door on a submarine. These teams are not nearly the same as they were in that playoff game, and I think VUU will have a better season than the Bears, but: No Byers. No Allen. Bears between the bricks, at night, and on 828 day? Can’t lose right? Right? I’m going to be hearing about this one. Game I am least confident in all week.
SATURDAY GAME
Catawba Indians at Ferrum Panthers
Location & Time: Ferrum, VA / 6:00 PM
Series: Catawba leads series 1-0. (Catawba won only meeting, 45-13, in 2025).
Catawba and Coach Tyler Haines had a pretty solid season in 2025, finishing with a winning record for the first time since 2017. But the challenge awaiting them in 2026 might be a tall one. Gone is a slew of outstanding guys who have been the face of the program for several years. The offense may take a step back just due to the amount of star power that left. No more all-SAC Preston Brown. Leading rusher Kevin Lalin and Quece Williams are gone, but Bennett Galloway is formidable. Catawba also lost its top four pass catchers, equating to about 70% of their receiving yardage from a year ago. Stud OL Avery Swinton is gone as well. The defense lost a few guys, but returned some DUDES as well, starting with leading tackler Jaylen Hinton. Luke Raykovicz, Jymiek Samson, and Braylon Baker also garnered watchlist honors and will lead the way for an Indian defense looking to make things easier for the rebuilding offense. If the Indians can find some ways to win those close games that eluded them last year and take advantage of having home field against its five SAC opponents (all of whom finished above .500), we could be talking playoff football in Salisbury.
Ferrum is entering their 2nd season in “The Deuce”. Coach Sherman led the team to a 4-7 record, 3-3 in their debut season in Conference Carolinas. Leading the Panthers, and unlike most of the ball clubs in the SAC, has a returning starting quarterback! And their top rusher! And their top receiver! Former Emory & Henry Wasp Eli Foutz threw for 1,800 yards last season while completing 61.6% of his passes and was one of three Panthers named to the leagues preseason watch list. Wide out Omarza Gray is back and was also on the watch list. The 2025 offensive freshman of the year is hoping to continue his success in year two and should see more targets with Tyrik Bryant gone. Jahylen Lee is back to lead the ground assault and keep an eye out for Marquise Varner James on the defensive line. He was also named on the watch list for the conference. The Greensboro, NC native had 20 tackles last season to go along with a pair of sacks.
Projected Score: Catawba 41, Ferrum 16.
My Pick: Catawba starts 1-0.
Even with the losses they suffered, I think Catawba is still the better team and farther along than Ferrum is. The key for Ferrum to pull this off will be to get ahead early and put pressure on the rebuilt Catawba offense to play catch up. They have an edge with having a more proven quarterback, but will they be able to take advantage of that? I don’t think so. Close early, Catawba wins by a couple scores late.
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