BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The Mercyhurst football team was selected fifth out of eight teams in the 2026 NEC Football Preseason Poll as two Lakers were selected to the NEC Football Preseason All-NEC Team.. This preseason poll serves as a measure of the teams' anticipated performance, providing media recognition and generating interest ahead of the upcoming season.

2026 NEC Football Predicted Order-of-Finish
1. Central Connecticut (6)
2. Duquesne (2)
3. LIU
4. Wagner
5. Mercyhurst
6. Robert Morris
7. Stonehill
8. New Haven
* First-place votes in parentheses ( ).
* Chicago State is not eligible for the regular-season title in 2026.
* Mercyhurst and New Haven are not eliglble for the NEC's AQ to the FCS Playoff

 

The Lakers have shown progress from the previous year, having been ranked seventh in the 2025 NEC Preseason football poll. Last season, the Lakers fought for a share of the NEC title in their first eligible season, dropping a close contest to CCSU.

In addition to the team ranking, Mercyhurst is represented on the NEC Football Preseason All-NEC Team by two standout players. Senior wide receiver Dylan Evans has been selected to the offensive first team, while senior linebacker Jeff Leavell has earned a spot on the defensive first team. Last season, Evans turned heads going for 571 yards on 43 receptions to compliment his five total touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Leavell recorded 80 tackles, including a season-high 10 in the title game against CCSU. 

 
As the season approaches, the Mercyhurst Lakers are set to open their campaign against Youngstown State on August 27th at 6 PM. In last year's season opener, the Lakers faced the Penguins and narrowly fell 24-15 in a competitive contest. 

To view the NEC's full release visit here.