BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – The University of Charleston, the two-time reigning Mountain East Conference football champions, has been picked as the preseason favorite for this season following a vote of league head coaches.
The Golden Eagles, who own a 12-game MEC winning streak entering the 2025 season, received seven first-place votes. Fairmont State, which is picked second, and Glenville State, which was picked to third, also received first-place votes.
The Golden Eagles are coming off an historic season. UC was one of three Division II teams to navigate the 2024 season undefeated, and entered the postseason ranked No. 6 nationally. Charleston ranked No. 4 nationally in scoring offense, No. 7 in total offense, and No. 3 in rushing offense. UC running back Chavon Wright, who was the MEC Offensive Player of the Year, was a Harlon Hill Trophy finalist and captured the Hardman Award as the state’s top amateur athlete.
The Golden Eagles, under the direction of first-year head coach Michael Tesch, return talent on both sides of the ball. A pair of all-conference offensive linemen, Nick Tinerajo (first team) and Will Belongia (second team), are back to protect second-team All-MEC quarterback Ean Hamric. UC’s 2024 leading tackler and All-MEC first team performer, Aden Miller, returns to anchor the defense.
The predicted order of finish after UC featured a pair of teams coming off impressive seasons. In 2024, Fairmont State finished 6-3 in league play, tied for third, but also finished strong with three wins to conclude the season. The Falcons won five or six to end the year, with the only loss coming at UC. Fairmont State has 2024 MEC Offensive Freshman of the Year, Nino Marzullo, back at quarterback after an impressive debut. All-MEC kicker Emmanuel Richardson and productive all-conference linebacker Nick Longo also return.
Glenville State finished alone in second place after a 7-2 finish, and like UC will carry a lengthy winning streak into the new season. Last season, the Pioneers bounced back from a pair of early-October defeats to win their final five games, including three on the road. Glenville State will have fourth-year starting QB Anthony Garrett, who has 27 career starts, back to lead the offense. Leading rusher Zavoine Wood and leading receiver Tariq Miller will give Garrett experienced weapons.
After the top three, Frostburg State was picked to finish fourth, followed by West Virginia State, Wheeling, West Liberty, Concord, and West Virginia Wesleyan.
| 2025 MEC Football Preseason Poll | ||
| Rank | School (First Place Votes) | Voting |
| 1. | Charleston (7) | 63 |
| 2. | Fairmont State (1) | 52 |
| 3. | Glenville State (1) | 49 |
| 4. | Frostburg State | 44 |
| 5. | West Virginia State | 38 |
| 6. | Wheeling | 31 |
| 7. | West Liberty | 21 |
| 8. | Concord | 17 |
| 9. | West Virginia Wesleyan | 9 |
* Coaches not permitted to vote for own team
