Coastal Carolina’s football program continues to attract national attention as Athlon Sports unveils its Preseason All‑Sun Belt Team, naming six Chanticleers to its roster.
Linebacker Se'Veon McDowell leads the group with a second‑team nod, while running back Dominic Knicely, cornerback Ja'Marion Wayne and punter Emile Sebafundi secure third‑team spots, and wide receiver Robby Washington along with linebacker Tray Brown earn fourth‑team honors.
Preseason Honors
The recognitions extend beyond Athlon, as Desmond Barnes and Sebafundi were also placed on the Second Team All‑Sun Belt by Lindy's Sports, underscoring the depth of talent across the defensive line and special teams.
Phil Steele’s preseason rankings echo the sentiment, listing nine Chanticleers across its teams, with McDowell again highlighted on the second team, while Wayne and Sebafundi appear on the third team and a host of other players — Cristian Loaiza, Daughtry Richardson, Ibrahim Diawara, Jalen Lee and Mitch Weisenborn — receive fourth‑team mentions.
2026 Schedule Outlook
Looking ahead, the Chanticleers will open the 2026 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 5, traveling to face West Virginia, before hosting Fordham in their home opener at Brooks Stadium on Sept. 12, setting the stage for a season that could build on the early preseason buzz.