The Patriot League unveiled its 2026 preseason football awards on Tuesday, recognizing standout performers from the upcoming season. Lehigh’s Luke Yoder was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year, while Richmond’s Camden Byrd earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. The announcements came as the league also released its preseason poll, which predicts Villanova as the team to beat.
Poll predicts a tight race for the top spot
According to the league’s vote, Villanova received the most first‑place ballots and sits atop the preseason rankings with 100 points. Lehigh follows in second with 75 points and three first‑place votes, while Richmond and William & Mary are tied for third with 57 points each. Lafayette rounds out the top five with 55 points, and Holy Cross sits sixth with 38 points.
The preseason All‑Patriot League Team features 31 student‑athletes, with Villanova leading the way with seven selections. Richmond contributed six honorees, and Lehigh, the two‑time defending champion, placed five players on the list. Other programs such as Colgate and William & Mary each earned four spots, while Bucknell, Fordham and Lafayette each had two representatives. Georgetown and Holy Cross each had a single selection.
Among the honorees, Luke Yoder continues to dominate the FCS landscape, ranking among the nation’s leaders in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and yards per carry from the previous season. Defensive standout Camden Byrd returns as the league’s top tackler for loss, sacks and forced fumbles. Their performances underscore the conference’s blend of athletic prowess and academic excellence.
The Patriot League emphasizes the development of student‑athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom, a commitment reflected in its member institutions and coaching staff. The upcoming season promises competitive matchups as teams vie for the conference title and national recognition.