RICHMOND – The CAA released its 2026 preseason poll Wednesday morning, and while Rhode Island dominated the headlines as the near unanimous pick to win the league, the story in North Carolina centers on how Elon, Campbell, and North Carolina A&T stack up entering a pivotal season for all three programs.
Elon earned 115 points and a third-place finish, landing just behind Monmouth and well ahead of the middle of the pack. It’s the Phoenix’s strongest preseason position since joining the CAA, and it reflects the program’s consistency – five straight seasons finishing .500 or better in conference play. The league’s coaches clearly respect what returns in 2026:
- RB Jimmyll Williams (Durham): a preseason All-CAA selection after rushing for 673 yards last season.
- FB/HB Dylan Magazu: one of the few fullbacks in the league capable of impacting games as both a blocker and short-yardage option.
- WR Landyn Backey: an honorable mention pick who gives Elon a reliable downfield threat.
- LB Brodie Carroll: a preseason All-CAA linebacker coming off a 104‑tackle season.
- S Tony Hart III: another preseason selection and one of the league’s most active safeties.
Elon’s defensive core, Carroll, Hart, and DL Dillon Pardue (honorable mention), gives the Phoenix one of the most stable units in the conference. If the offense takes even a modest step forward, Elon has a legitimate shot to finish in the top three again.
Campbell landed 56 points, good for eighth place. It’s a slight dip from last year’s expectations, but the Camels have pieces that could outperform their ranking. The biggest headline is LB DaVonyae Pettis, who earned honorable mention after a strong 2025 season. Campbell’s defense has been young for two straight years; now it’s finally experienced. Offensively, the Camels return enough production to be competitive, but the poll reflects the uncertainty around how quickly the unit will settle under new leadership and a tougher schedule. Campbell has hovered around the middle of the CAA since joining. This year’s roster suggests they could climb; but they’ll need early-season consistency to do it.
North Carolina A&T was picked 12th with 28 points, ahead of only Hampton. It’s a low projection, but not surprising given the Aggies’ transition struggles since joining the CAA. Still, there are bright spots:
- OL Andrew Dorsey: honorable mention and one of the league’s most experienced interior linemen.
- PR Elijah Kennedy (High Point): preseason All-CAA punt returner and one of the most explosive special teams players in the conference.
The Aggies’ challenge is depth. They’ve recruited well, but the roster is still young in key spots. If the offense stabilizes and the defense can avoid the big-play issues that plagued 2025, A&T has enough talent to outperform a 12th-place prediction.
Rhode Island received 12 of 13 possible first-place votes, returning 15 starters from a team that went 11‑3 and won the league outright last season. Senior QB Devin Farrell, the preseason Offensive Player of the Year, headlines an offense loaded with All‑CAA talent. Monmouth, under new head coach Jeff Gallo, sits second and brings back the core of last year’s No. 1 offense in FCS. Elon is the highest-ranked NC team, followed by Campbell and A&T.
North Carolina was well represented across the league’s preseason honors:
- Jimmyll Williams (Elon) RB, Durham
- Dylan Magazu (Elon) FB/HB
- Tim Hogan (Elon) OL, Raleigh
- Tony Hart III (Elon) S
- Elijah Kennedy (North Carolina A&T) PR, High Point
- Mitch Summers (Sacred Heart) RB, Greensboro
- Omari Allen (Hampton) OL, Henderson
- Luke Barnes (Elon) PK, Greensboro
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