The United Athletic Conference’s 2026 football championship race is already generating buzz, as a recent coaches poll identifies the Abilene Christian Wildcats and the Tarleton State Texans as the preseason favorites.
Why the Wildcats Lead the Pack
Abilene Christian, known as the Wildcats, earned three first‑place votes alongside Tarleton State, while Austin Peay collected two. This marks the first time since 2011 that the university has been tabbed as a preseason favorite, underscoring a shift in expectations after years of consistent performance.
The Wildcats arrive on the back of back‑to‑back United Athletic Conference titles and consecutive appearances in the FCS Playoffs. Over the past two seasons they have compiled an 18‑10 overall record and a 14‑2 mark within the conference, a testament to sustained growth.
Texans’ Parallel Ascent
Tarleton State, the Texans, also secured three top votes and share the recent conference crown with their rivals. Their own résumé features a 22‑6 overall record and a 13‑3 conference slate over the same period, highlighted by two straight FCS Playoff berths.
The two programs are set to renew their rivalry on November 7 at Memorial Stadium in Stephenville, a venue that will host the showdown and add another chapter to a growing competition.
With both squads receiving strong preseason endorsement, the upcoming season promises a fierce battle for the championship, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike.