MCKINNEY, Texas – The Lone Star Conference announced the 2026 preseason football poll today at media day hosted at the McKinney ISD Stadium.
Eastern New Mexico football was selected seventh in the poll and received one first place vote as voted on the by sports information directors, coaches, and media members.
"This is a new era, a new time" said head coach
Art Briles, "I'm grateful and excited."
The reigning champion Central Washington Wildcats were voted as the favorites to repeat with 276 points and 16 first place votes.
The poll includes:
- Central Washington (16) – 276
- Western Oregon (9) – 247
- West Texas A&M (1) – 217
- Angelo State (1) – 215
- UT Permian Basin (2) – 203
- Texas A&M-Kingsville – 162
- Eastern New Mexico (1) – 125
- Midwestern State – 112
- Western New Mexico – 58
- Sul Ross State – 35
ENMU's
Robert Nora and
Matthew Quartieri were named conference players to watch for the upcoming season.
Nora, the Clovis native, appeared in nine games for the Greyhounds, accumulating 292 rushing yards, including a 165-yard performance against UT Permian Basin. He also five receptions for 70 yards over the season.
Quartieri started all eleven games for the Hounds and lead the team in total tackles last season with 89.0, finishing sixth in the LSC. He tacked on two interceptions and a sack, and was an all-conference honorable mention selection.
ENMU was represented by
J.J. Silver and
Dathan Yeary at the media day. Silver is a junior linebacker and defensive captain for the hounds. Yeary is a junior center from Melrose, New Mexico.
The 2026 Greyhound football season begins August 27 on the road at New Mexico Highlands at 6 p.m. Season tickets are available now.
