Mikey D’Amato, the senior linebacker who anchors Cal Poly’s defense, has been selected to the FCS Football Central Preseason First Team All‑American list for the second consecutive preseason, cementing his status as one of the nation’s most respected defensive players at the FCS level.
Double Honor for D’Amato
The honor follows a decorated junior season in which D’Amato led the Big Sky Conference with 137 tackles, a total that placed him fourth nationally among all divisions and marked the third‑most single‑season tackle count in Cal Poly history.
His performance earned him First Team All‑Big Sky recognition, a spot on three different All‑American teams, and a place on the Buck Buchanan Award Watch List, while also contributing six sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and an interception.
The Mustangs will open their 2026 campaign on Friday, August 28, hosting Big Sky rival Idaho at home, a game that will be televised on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.
Kickoff in Spokane
Beyond the field, D’Amato, head coach Tim Skipper and offensive lineman Leif Magnuson are slated to attend the Big Sky Kickoff event in Spokane, Washington, where they will participate in a live interview on ESPN+ at 10:15 a.m. on Monday.
The kickoff gathering serves as a high‑profile showcase for the conference, bringing together key players, coaches and media partners to build excitement for the upcoming season and to highlight the league’s growing visibility on national platforms.