VALDOSTA, Ga. – Coming off a national quarterfinal appearance and the program's tenth Gulf South Conference title in 2023, the Valdosta State football team learned Monday afternoon it is seventh in the American Football Coaches Association Preseason Top 25.  
 
Defending national champion Harding leads the initial top 25 with 672 points and 25 of 27 first-place nods, followed by Central Missouri with 620 points and Ferris State is third with one first-place vote and 590 points.  Grand Valley State claims the final first-place vote for fourth and 566 points, followed by Colorado School of Mines with 594 points.  
 
Pittsburg State is sixth with 540 points, followed by VSU with 516 points, Central Washington (418), Lenoir-Rhyne (416) and Kutztown rounds out the top ten with 413 points.  West Florida is 12^th, while Delta State is 18^th.  Albany State is among others receiving votes.  
 
The Blazers went 12-2 overall and 7-1 in Gulf South Conference play in 2023.  The Blazers, under the direction of third-year head coach Tremaine Jackson, open the 2024 season on Aug. 31 at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium at 7 p.m. versus rival Albany State.  VSU has six exciting home games for the 2024 season as the team finished 12-2 last season and reached the NCAA National Quarterfinals.  
 
Click here for the 2024 Blazer schedule.  Both season and single game tickets are on sale now for the 2024 season.  Click here to purchase tickets.