Three-Time Defending Champions Picked To Win Big South-OVC Football Crown
7/17/2024 10:00:00 AM | Football
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – With three consecutive conference championships proudly displayed on their fingers, the University of Tennessee at Martin football program has been tabbed as the preseason favorite for the 2024 Big South-OVC Football Association championship as voted on by the association's head coaches.
The Skyhawks earned 61 total points – including five first place selections – to sit atop the preseason leaderboard. Ranking second was Eastern Illinois with 53 points (two first place votes) followed by Southeast Missouri with 51 points (two first place votes). Tennessee State (41) was picked to fourth followed by Gardner-Webb (40), Charleston Southern (27), Tennessee Tech (24), Lindenwood (18) and Western Illinois (9).
UT Martin finished last season with an 8-3 overall record while notching a 5-1 record in Big South-OVC Football Association action to claim the program's third consecutive conference championship. The Skyhawks posted eight FCS victories and held a national ranking for the majority of the season but was not extended a bid to the 2023 FCS Playoffs.
Along with announcing the association's predicted order of finish, the Big South-OVC Football Association also released its preseason players of the year. Quarterback Pierce Holley from Eastern Illinois was tabbed as the association's top offensive pick while Southeast Missouri linebacker Bryce Norman took home the top honor on the defensive side.
It was also announced earlier this week that eight Skyhawks were named to the Big South-OVC Football Association Preseason Players to Watch teams. Highlighting the list on offense for UT Martin was quarterback Kinkead Dent, running back Narkel LeFlore, wide receiver DeVonte Tanksley and offensive guard Drake Carroll. Defensively was defensive end Charles Perkins, linebacker Jaylon Sharpe and defensive back Oshae Baker. On special teams, long snapper Colton Peoples was recognized while Baker (punt return specialist) and LeFlore (all-purpose and kick return specialist) added to their respective honors.
UT Martin opens its 2024 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 31 when traveling to Big 12 foe Kansas State.
The Skyhawks earned 61 total points – including five first place selections – to sit atop the preseason leaderboard. Ranking second was Eastern Illinois with 53 points (two first place votes) followed by Southeast Missouri with 51 points (two first place votes). Tennessee State (41) was picked to fourth followed by Gardner-Webb (40), Charleston Southern (27), Tennessee Tech (24), Lindenwood (18) and Western Illinois (9).
UT Martin finished last season with an 8-3 overall record while notching a 5-1 record in Big South-OVC Football Association action to claim the program's third consecutive conference championship. The Skyhawks posted eight FCS victories and held a national ranking for the majority of the season but was not extended a bid to the 2023 FCS Playoffs.
Along with announcing the association's predicted order of finish, the Big South-OVC Football Association also released its preseason players of the year. Quarterback Pierce Holley from Eastern Illinois was tabbed as the association's top offensive pick while Southeast Missouri linebacker Bryce Norman took home the top honor on the defensive side.
It was also announced earlier this week that eight Skyhawks were named to the Big South-OVC Football Association Preseason Players to Watch teams. Highlighting the list on offense for UT Martin was quarterback Kinkead Dent, running back Narkel LeFlore, wide receiver DeVonte Tanksley and offensive guard Drake Carroll. Defensively was defensive end Charles Perkins, linebacker Jaylon Sharpe and defensive back Oshae Baker. On special teams, long snapper Colton Peoples was recognized while Baker (punt return specialist) and LeFlore (all-purpose and kick return specialist) added to their respective honors.
UT Martin opens its 2024 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 31 when traveling to Big 12 foe Kansas State.
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