Preseason Honors
The Chanticleers celebrated a rare preseason accolade when three of their seniors were named to the Sun Belt Conference’s all‑conference squads. Ja'Marion Wayne earned a spot on the first team, while linebacker Tray Brown and safety Myles Woods were placed on the second team.
Wayne’s 2025 campaign saw him start every game at cornerback, tallying 61 tackles and anchoring a secondary that proved difficult to beat. Brown, who appeared in all 13 contests with nine starts at linebacker, contributed 54 tackles, ranking fourth on the team. Woods, a starter in 11 of 13 games, topped the defense with three interceptions, underscoring his playmaking ability.
Division Outlook
Coastal Carolina’s placement in the preseason coaches poll reflects modest expectations. The Chanticleers gathered 45 points and a single first‑place vote, positioning them fifth in the East Division behind James Madison, which received 94 points and 11 top votes. In the West, Troy emerged as the division favorite with 96 points and 12 first‑place votes.
Opening Schedule
The 2026 campaign kicks off on Saturday, September 5, with a road test at West Virginia. Two weeks later, the team returns home to open at Brooks Stadium against Fordham on September 12, setting the stage for a season that could hinge on early momentum.
Coaches and players alike are already talking about building on the preseason momentum, with an eye toward cracking the upper tier of the conference and challenging the traditional powerhouses.