UNC Pembroke was voted second and Barton third in the Conference Carolinas football preseason poll, released Tuesday on the eve of the league’s annual football media day.
Defending champion North Greenville was picked to repeat after collecting five of seven first-place votes from the league’s head coaches. UNC Pembroke received the remaining two first-place votes to finish just three points behind the Trailblazers, 35-32.
Ferrum was selected fourth, while Chowan and Shorter tied for fifth. Erskine rounded out the seven-team poll.
North Greenville defeated UNC Pembroke 34-20 in the inaugural Conference Carolinas Bowl last November to capture the conference championship. The team at the top of the regular season standings will again host the league’s title game this fall.
🚨CONFERENCE CAROLINAS “PLAYERS TO WATCH” 2026🚨
Keep an extra eye out for our THREE powerhouses this season !
🏈 Cam Richardson, Linebacker | Malachi Howell, Defensive End | Dez Randolph, Tight End 🏈#chowanfootball #brickbybrick #conferencecarolinas pic.twitter.com/LCQdOQgqDw — Chowan Football (@chowanfootball) July 22, 2026
🏈 Biggest Takeaways
Three North Carolina schools landed in the upper half of the preseason poll, with UNC Pembroke and Barton joining defending champion North Greenville in the top three. The Braves appear poised to challenge for the conference title again after earning two first-place votes, while Barton enters the season with higher expectations after being picked third.
📋 Poll / Players to Watch
Conference Carolinas also unveiled its 2026 Players to Watch list. UNC Pembroke was represented by wide receiver Que Kennedy, defensive lineman Laden Ford and defensive back Justin Foreman. Barton placed wide receiver Jaiden Lee, linebacker Zayvion Brady and defensive back Zyhir Williams on the list, while Chowan was represented by tight end Dezmond Randolph, linebacker Cameron Richardson and defensive end Malachi Howell.
⭐ Players to Watch
UNC Pembroke’s Que Kennedy highlights the North Carolina contingent after earning first-team All-Conference Carolinas honors in 2025. Ferrum wide receiver Omarza Gray also returns after being named the conference’s Offensive Freshman of the Year last season.
💬 Best Quotes
Coming Wednesday from Conference Carolinas Football Media Day.
🔥 North Carolina Notes
Nine players from North Carolina schools were named to the preseason Players to Watch list, and three of the league’s seven teams are based in the Tar Heel State. UNC Pembroke, Barton and Chowan will all be represented during Wednesday’s media day in Greenville, South Carolina.
⏭️ What’s Next?
Conference Carolinas Football Media Day takes place Wednesday in Greenville, with coaches and student-athletes from all seven programs meeting with the media ahead of the 2026 season. NC Football News will have coverage later in the week and in our newsletter, Small-College Saturdays.
The D2 football season kicks off around the state the weekend of Aug. 27-29, including UNC Pembroke hosting regional rival Wingate that first Thursday.
