The 2026 CAA Football preseason poll has crowned the Rhode Island Rams as overwhelming favorites, awarding the Rams all 12 first‑place votes and positioning them to repeat as conference champions.
Senior quarterback Devin Farrell, who earned the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year honor, returns to lead an offense that brings back 15 starters from the previous season, including standout receiver Marquis Buchanan.
Defensive Player of the Year and Coaching Impact
Monmouth’s defensive standout Jaeden Jones was selected as the CAA Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting a unit that will be anchored by new head coach Jeff Gallo in his first year at the helm.
Elon, coming off a 6‑6 overall record in 2025, will rely on leading rusher Jimmyll Williams and receiver Landyn Backey, while the Phoenix look to build on five consecutive seasons of .500 or better performances in CAA play.
The preseason all‑conference team also features linebacker Brodie Carroll and safety Tony Hart III on defense, while the predicted order of finish places Monmouth second and Elon third behind Rhode Island.