HICKORY, N.C. - Third year head coach Doug Socha and the Lenoir-Rhyne football team have been selected to finish third in the SAC Preseason Poll, as voted on by the league's coaches. 

Coach Socha's squad finished 6-5 last season, including a win over NCAA Tournament participant Valdosta State in early October. Six Bears were named to the All-SAC Team while Tye Roberson led the country with three kick return touchdowns and and an average return of 41.92 yards. For his efforts he was named an AFCA First Team All-American.

Despite graduating some key pieces, Lenoir-Rhyne will have plenty of returning talent to mix in with their impressive group of transfers and freshman. Tye Roberson (RB/RS), Rubens Joseph (OL), LJ Turner (RB), Carnell Ferguson (DL), Brodie Bradburn (LB), and KJ Whitehead (DB) were named SAC Players to Watch. 

The Bears open the season at home on Friday, August 28th, with a high profile match-up against Virginia Union. Lenoir-Rhyne will host West Alabama on Saturday, September 5th, before traveling to 2025 national semi-finalist Newberry to open conference play on Saturday, September 12th. Homecoming will take place on Saturday, October 17th, vs. rival Wingate.

An 828 Day tickets flash sale will begin on Tuesday, August 4th, at noon and will run until 8:28 p.m. For more information on tickets head to lrbears.com/tickets or call the Bears Club at 828-328-7007.

2025 SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
1. Wingate - 72 points (2 first-place votes)
2. Newberry - 67 points (5 first-place votes)
3. Lenoir-Rhyne - 64 points (2 first-place votes)
4. Carson-Newman - 59 points (1 first-place vote)
5. Emory & Henry - 56 points
6. Catawba - 46 points
7. Anderson - 31 points
8. Mars Hill - 27 points
9. UVA Wise - 16 points
10. Tusculum - 12 points