WILKES-BARRE - The Wilkes University football team was selected third out of seven teams with one first-place vote in the 2026 Landmark Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced at the conference's Media Day hosted by Wilkes University Tuesday afternoon.

The Colonels defeated Shenandoah University at the Chesapeake Challenge Bowl in 2025, finishing the year 7-4 overall and 4-2 in Landmark play in head coach David Biever's second season. The team received 29 points in this year's poll, gaining 5 more points than last year's Coaches' poll.

The defending Landmark Football champion Susquehanna University River Hawks were predicted to once again finish first, receiving 34 points and four first-place votes. Lycoming College, who reached the Cape Charles Bowl, was predicted to finish second with 30 points and two first-place votes, with Wilkes third on 29 points.

Western Connecticut State was selected fourth on 20 points, ahead of their second season in the Landmark Conference. Catholic University was selected fifth on 14 points, followed closely by Moravian University on 13 points. Juniata College rounded out the poll collecting 7 points.

Wilkes opens the 2026 season with the 30th annual Mayor's Cup game against the cross-town rivals King's College on Thursday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. Landmark Conference play begins on Saturday, October 3 at 12:00 p.m.