THIBODAUX, La. – After establishing itself as a Top 25 FCS program over the last few years, expectations for the Nicholls State University football team remain the same for the upcoming spring as the Colonels enter the season ranked No. 8 in the Athlon Sports preseason poll and No. 15 in the HERO Sports poll.
Nicholls, which edged Sam Houston by two votes to claim the top spot in the Southland Conference preseason poll, is coming off back-to-back league championships. The Colonels have also made three consecutive trips to the FCS playoffs, reaching the second round the last two years. Nicholls fell to national runner-up Eastern Washington in 2018 and in '19, was defeated by national champion North Dakota State.
The Colonels welcome back all-league performers offensive linemen
P.J. Burkhalter and
Jair Joseph, wide receiver
Dai'Jean Dixon and running back
Julien Gums. Burkhalter was recently selected to the HERO Sports Preseason All-American squad.
Kevin Moore III headlines the defense after earning first-team SLC last year.
Nicholls begins its season at home on Feb. 19 against Lincoln University of Missouri. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Due to COVID protocol, capacity restrictions limit seating to 3,000 fans for all home games at Guidry Stadium this spring. Fans are encouraged to purchase orders ahead of time to guarantee a ticket.
ATHLON SPORTS TOP 25
To see the entire preseason top 25 along with team capsules, please visit
here.
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