Preseason Accolades Highlight Cal Poly’s Defensive Depth
Cal Poly’s football program received a boost this week as two of its linebackers earned spots on the 2026 Big Sky Football Preseason All‑Conference Team, a recognition that also placed them among the nation’s top FCS preseason all‑Americans.
Mikey D’Amato topped the Big Sky with 137 tackles and tied for fourth nationally, adding six sacks and delivering a season‑high 19‑tackle performance against Sacramento State. He also logged seven games with double‑digit tackles.
Kenny Olson ranked second in the conference and 13th in the country with 117 stops, including a season‑high 13 against UC Davis. Like D’Amato, Olson recorded seven games of double‑digit tackles.
Their selections mark the only instance this preseason that a Big Sky squad has placed multiple linebackers on the all‑conference list, underscoring Cal Poly’s defensive depth heading into the new campaign.
The Mustangs will open the 2026 season on August 28 against Idaho, a game that will be televised on ESPN, giving fans an early‑season glimpse of the duo’s readiness.
Coaches and teammates alike hope the preseason honors translate into on‑field dominance, as Cal Poly aims to contend for a conference title and secure a berth in the FCS playoffs.