FOREST, Va. — As Averett University football heads in 2025 with high hopes, the Cougars selected to finish tied for seventh among the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in the conference's preseason poll that was released Wednesday.

Randolph-Macon College, ranked 21st in the D3football.com preseason rankings, sits atop of the poll, looking to win the ODAC for the fourth straight season after advancing to the third round of the national playoffs last season. The Yellow Jackets received the maximum of eight first-place votes. Washington and Lee University was picked as runners-up, and Shenandoah University completed the podium three with the other first-place vote. Bridgewater College and Hampden-Sydney College slot in at fourth and fifth, respectively. Roanoke College's football program makes its return since the 1940s and was picked sixth, just a point above the Cougars, tied at the seventh position with Guilford College. Conference newcomers Gallaudet University complete the poll at ninth place.

Talented but young, Averett returns a key piece on the defensive side of the ball as 2024 ODAC Rookie of the Year and All-ODAC defensive back Joziah Campbell is back for his sophomore season after leading the conference with six interceptions last season. Senior linebacker Anthony Brunelli leads all returning defensive players in tackles from the season before. In the backfield, junior Gaby Soto and his 645 rushing yards look to capitalize on a productive 2024. The Cougars finished 2024 3-7 overall, and 1-6 in conference play under head coach Patrick Henry.

The Cougars open fall on a Thursday night, venturing down to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to face North Carolina Wesleyan University on Sept. 4. Conference play begins on Sept. 20 at Gallaudet.

 

2025 ODAC Preseason Football Poll
Rank	Institution (1st Place Votes)	Pts.
1.	Randolph-Macon^ (8)	64
2.	Washington and Lee	53
3.	Shenandoah (1)	49
4.	Bridgewater	45
5.	Hampden-Sydney	39
6.	Roanoke	22
T-7.	Averett	21
T-7.	Guilford	21
9.	Gallaudet	10
^Defending champion