UT Martin Picked Second In OVC-Big South Preseason Poll
7/16/2025 1:00:00 PM | Football
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – In a vote of the OVC-Big South Football Association head coaches, the University of Tennessee at Martin has been picked to finish second in the annual predicted order of finish.
Following four consecutive conference championships, UT Martin earned 56 total points – including two first place votes – to sit one point out of first place in the preseason poll. After the OVC-Big South Association finished in a four-way tie for the conference championship in 2024, fellow co-champion Tennessee Tech earned the top preseason spot with 57 total points and five first place votes.
Southeast Missouri rounded out the top third with 53 total points and two first place votes while Lindenwood (39), Western Illinois (30), Eastern Illinois (24), Gardner-Webb (24), Tennessee State (23) and Charleston Southern (18) concluded the nine-team poll.
The Association's head coaches also voted Lindenwood running back Steve Hall as the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year while Skyhawk cornerback JaMichael McGoy, Jr. was tabbed as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
UT Martin looks to reload for its fifth straight title run while boasting a 21-4 conference record since 2021. The Skyhawks feature eight players who were named OVC-Big South Football Association Players to Watch including quarterback Jase Bauer, running back Armoni Goodwin, wide receiver Phaizon Wilson, tight end Drake Martinez, offensive lineman Josiah Tingley, linebacker Tah Mac Bright Banda, defensive back JaMichael McGoy, Jr. and punter Jaren Van Winkle.
2025 OVC-Big South Predicted Order of Finish
1. Tennessee Tech (5 first-place votes) - 57 points
2. UT Martin (2) - 56
3. Southeast Missouri (2) - 53
4. Lindenwood - 39
5. Western Illinois - 30
6. Eastern Illinois - 24
Gardner-Webb - 24
8. Tennessee State - 23
9. Charleston Southern - 18
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Steve Hall (RB, So.), Lindenwood
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
JaMichael McGoy, Jr. (CB, R-Sr.), UT Martin
UT Martin opens the season on Thursday, Aug. 28 when traveling to Big 12 foe Oklahoma State. Fans can purchase their season tickets for a loaded five-game home slate at www.utmsports.com/tickets.
Following four consecutive conference championships, UT Martin earned 56 total points – including two first place votes – to sit one point out of first place in the preseason poll. After the OVC-Big South Association finished in a four-way tie for the conference championship in 2024, fellow co-champion Tennessee Tech earned the top preseason spot with 57 total points and five first place votes.
Southeast Missouri rounded out the top third with 53 total points and two first place votes while Lindenwood (39), Western Illinois (30), Eastern Illinois (24), Gardner-Webb (24), Tennessee State (23) and Charleston Southern (18) concluded the nine-team poll.
The Association's head coaches also voted Lindenwood running back Steve Hall as the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year while Skyhawk cornerback JaMichael McGoy, Jr. was tabbed as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
UT Martin looks to reload for its fifth straight title run while boasting a 21-4 conference record since 2021. The Skyhawks feature eight players who were named OVC-Big South Football Association Players to Watch including quarterback Jase Bauer, running back Armoni Goodwin, wide receiver Phaizon Wilson, tight end Drake Martinez, offensive lineman Josiah Tingley, linebacker Tah Mac Bright Banda, defensive back JaMichael McGoy, Jr. and punter Jaren Van Winkle.
2025 OVC-Big South Predicted Order of Finish
1. Tennessee Tech (5 first-place votes) - 57 points
2. UT Martin (2) - 56
3. Southeast Missouri (2) - 53
4. Lindenwood - 39
5. Western Illinois - 30
6. Eastern Illinois - 24
Gardner-Webb - 24
8. Tennessee State - 23
9. Charleston Southern - 18
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Steve Hall (RB, So.), Lindenwood
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
JaMichael McGoy, Jr. (CB, R-Sr.), UT Martin
UT Martin opens the season on Thursday, Aug. 28 when traveling to Big 12 foe Oklahoma State. Fans can purchase their season tickets for a loaded five-game home slate at www.utmsports.com/tickets.
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