HICKORY, N.C. – For the first time since 2015, the Lenoir-Rhyne Football Team has entered the national rankings, slotting in at No. 24 in the AFCA Division II Coaches' Top 25 Poll.

The Bears have won seven straight, including a 30-22 victory at Fort Valley State on Saturday afternoon. LR sits atop the South Atlantic Conference standings with a 5-0 mark, despite being picked to finish sixth in the Preseason Coaches' Poll.

LR has scored over 30 points in every game this season and rank eighth nationally in scoring offense at 41.9 points per game. The Bears rank seventh in Division II in rushing offense, averaging 283.1 yards per contest.

The Bears return to action on Saturday when they host UNC Pembroke at Moretz Stadium at 2 p.m.