CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) – For the first time in program history, Austin Peay State University football has attained preseason national rankings from four notable publications.
The Governors were picked No. 25 in the HERO Sports FCS preseason poll this week.
The Athlon Sports preseason poll was released online last week in conjunction with Athlon Sports’ 2018 National College Football Annual being released, and the Governors were picked 22nd in the nation; Austin Peay also came in at No. 22 in Street and Smith’s Preseason Top-25, and 15th in Lindy’s FCS top-25.
The Governors return the bulk of their playmakers from last season’s 8-4 squad, which finished second in the Ohio Valley Conference and No. 24 in Athlon’s final Power Rankings, compiled by FCS STATS senior editor Craig Haley. OVC Freshman of the Year Jeremiah Oatsvall is back to pilot the offense, with Kentel Williams and Ahmaad Tanner sharing the load in the backfield. Second-team Associated Press All-American Jaison Williams returns to anchor the defense, all under the tutelage of 2017 Eddie Robinson FCS Coach of the Year Will Healy.
In addition to the team rankings, Williams was tabbed a preseason FCS All-American choice by Street and Smith and Lindy’s.
The Govs will find out their official OVC predictions at 2018 OVC Media Day, Monday, July 23 in Nashville. Austin Peay opens the 2018 season at 2017 National Runner-up Georgia, Saturday, Sept. 1 in Athens.
Season ticket information for the Governors 2018 home schedule, which opens with a Sept. 8 contest against Presbyterian, is now available. Reserved seating is available today and may be purchased by contacting the APSU Athletics Ticket office by phone at 931-221-PEAY (7329). Fans interested in joining the waiting list for club seating should visit LetsGoPeay.com/Tickets.