WACO, Texas – With the 2026 season opener just nine days away, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) released its preseason coaches' poll Tuesday afternoon, with the Angelo State University football team receiving votes in the national rankings.

The Rams are one of five Lone Star Conference programs recognized in the preseason poll, setting the stage for a challenging 2026 campaign.

Angelo State will face five opponents mentioned in the preseason poll during the first six weeks of the season. Fort Hays State and West Texas A&M, both of whom the Rams will host this season, received votes. Central Washington (No. 7), Western Colorado (No. 11) and Western Oregon (No. 22) each earned spots in the top 25, while UT Permian Basin, whom the Rams will see in week nine, is ranked No. 18.

The Rams open the 2026 campaign at home on Thursday, Aug. 27, when they host Fort Hays State at LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field. Angelo State will celebrate the season opener with a Blue Out, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.