The Southland Conference opened its newest football season amid a buzz of optimism that resonated through locker rooms and sidelines alike. Coaches highlighted the league's strong commitment and potential for success, pointing to the three teams that reached the playoffs last year as evidence of rising competitiveness.
Last season marked a milestone, with the Cardinals, SFA and Southeastern advancing to the FCS playoffs, the first time since 2018 that three league teams made the postseason. That achievement has set a benchmark for the upcoming campaign.
At the center of the conversation is McNeese, whose program is led by head coach Matt Viator and anchored by senior running back Tre'Vonte Citizen and senior safety Javon Davis. The Cowboys showed great improvement in the second half of last season, winning four of their last six games and building momentum heading into the new year.
Coaches and Players Set the Tone
Pete Rossomando, head coach at Lamar, declared that the Southland boasts some of the finest football talent in the country, underscoring the league's depth and quality.
Colby Carthel, SFA's head coach, highlighted the high commitment to the league from the conference office, university presidents and athletic directors, noting that the infrastructure is geared toward sustained growth.
McNeese reported to fall camp on July 28, with its first practice on July 29. The team will conduct morning sessions leading up to the season opener on August 29 at home against defending league champion SFA.
Tre'Vonte Citizen expressed a clear ambition: to hoist the trophy at the end of the season, while Javon Davis emphasized the importance of being prepared to play the entire schedule.
Two preseason league polls are expected to be released within the next few days, offering an early glimpse of how the landscape might shape up as the kickoff approaches.