Austin Peay State University’s football program has climbed to No. 18 in the latest AFCA preseason Top 25 poll, marking the highest preseason placement the Governors have enjoyed since the 2020 season.
A Historic Ranking
The ranking represents the fourth occasion the team has appeared in the AFCA preseason Top 25 and underscores a resurgence that began with a breakthrough season under second‑year head coach Jeff Faris.
Returning Stars and Coaching Vision
The offense will be anchored by Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Chris Parson, while running back Joshua Sales Jr. returns after posting 743 rushing yards and adding depth to a unit that already boasts 38 total touchdowns from the previous season.
Faris’ staff brings continuity, with 11 starters returning from a campaign that delivered a perfect six‑game home stretch, the program’s first FBS victory since 1987, and a historic unbeaten run at Fortera Stadium.
The schedule opens on August 27th against Gardner‑Webb, a test that will gauge whether the momentum built during the offseason can translate into a strong start on the field.