CAPE GIRARDEAU — Southeast Missouri was picked second in the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference Preseason Poll released prior to the league’s annual Football Media Day event.
SEMO collected 38 points and one first-place vote in the voting by OVC Head Coaches and Communications Directors.
UT Martin is this year’s preseason favorite with 47 points and six of the eight possible first-place votes.
Lindenwood (37 pts.), Gardner-Webb (30 pts.), Charleston Southern (26 pts.), Western Illinois (23 pts.), Eastern Illinois (14 pts.) and Tennessee State (9 pts.) complete the eight-team poll.
SEMO had seven players among the OVC’s Players to Watch, including running back Khyair Spain, offensive lineman Rashad Turner, wide receiver/punt return specialist Jobe Bryant, kicker Justin Keller, defensive lineman McCoy Casey, linebacker Cole Dutkovich and defensive back Adrian Patterson.
The Redhawks, under the direction of 13th-year Head Coach Tom Matukewicz, kick off the season at Missouri Valley Football Conference member Indiana State on Aug. 29.
