Golden Eagle Football Starts 2026 Season Ranked No. 14 in FCS Top 25

COOKEVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles are headed into the 2026 season with national momentum already on their side.

In the first Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll released for the year, Tennessee Tech earned a No. 14 ranking, marking the program’s strong position as fall camp approaches. The Golden Eagles finished the 2025 season ranked No. 16, and the early jump reflects continued expectations for a squad that went 11-2 last season, including an impressive 8-0 run through Ohio Valley Conference play.

Tennessee Tech’s ranking came after voters—members of FCS conferences and media—awarded the Golden Eagles 594 points in the inaugural poll. Defending FCS champion Montana State topped the field, receiving all 57 first-place votes and 1,425 points. Montana State was followed by South Dakota State, Illinois State, Tarleton State, and UC Davis as the early leaders of the subdivision.

The Golden Eagles are not just breaking into the national rankings—they are also carrying recognition at the conference level. Earlier in the week, Tech attended its first Southern Conference football media day, where the program was selected second in the SoCon preseason poll. Reigning conference champion Mercer won the top spot, while Tennessee Tech received three first-place votes and 70 points.

Under head coaching expectations and a talent group loaded with preseason honors, Tennessee Tech also placed four players on the Southern Conference Preseason All-Conference team, all on the second-team offense. Quarterback Jax Leatherwood, running back Marcus Harris, offensive lineman Eric Nunez, and tight end Gerard Grewe were recognized for their impact and production heading into the new season.

The national recognition continues as running back M.J. Flowers was also added to the Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List, an honor given to the top offensive player in FCS, often described as the subdivision’s Heisman-style accolade.

Tennessee Tech will open the 2026 season on August 29 at home against Monmouth, kicking off a schedule that begins with renewed anticipation and a fresh national spotlight.