BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – Frostburg State Football has been picked to finish third in the 2024 MEC Preseason Poll, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. 
 
The Bobcats, who picked up one first place vote, tied for second in the conference a year ago, posting a 6-3 MEC record alongside Fairmont State, Notre Dame College, and UNC Pembroke.  FSU kicked off the 2023 season with a huge overtime road win against New Haven, followed by a Homecoming Weekend victory over UNC Pembroke, and a season finale win over Fairmont State.  With all three losses coming from just three points each and having been ranked in the NCAA Regional Poll throughout the season, Frostburg will look to improve in Head Coach Eric Wagoner's third season at the helm, still in search of their first NCAA Tournament appearance at the Division II level.
 
Charleston (WV), last year's MEC champions, were picked to finish first in the poll, garnering six first place votes after their run to the Second Round in the Tournament.  The Golden Eagles wrapped up the 2023 season ranked 19^th in the AFCA Coaches' Poll and 18^th in the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll.  Just behind them in second is UNCP, who earned three first place votes, while Fairmont State finished fourth in the poll, just behind the Bobcats.
 
Frostburg starts their upcoming season under the lights, welcoming Millersville to Bobcat Stadium on Thursday, September 5 at 7 PM for their home opener.
 
2024 MEC Football Preseason Poll
1. Charleston (6) - 77
2. UNC Pembroke (3) - 73
3. Frostburg State (1) - 68
4. Fairmont State - 54
5. Glenville State - 43
6. Wheeling - 39
7. West Virginia State - 36
8. West Liberty - 32
9. Concord - 18
10. West Virginia Wesleyan - 10
 
( ) - 1st-place votes
* - Coaches unable to vote for own team