FOREST, Va. – Looking to put the 2025 season in the rearview, the Guilford College football team keeps their eyes ahead with anticipation of a fresh start in the 2026 season getting ranked seventh in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the conference offices on Tuesday afternoon.

"We have had a very competitive preseason camp with the new guys really making their mark and returners showing they are ready to lead," Football Head Coach, Brad Davis '08 said. "As we are every year, we are excited about opening our season against our crosstown rival, Greensboro College, on September 5, but from there we are going to take one game at a time. Overall, we look forward to seeing what this group can accomplish together."

For the first time in a number of seasons, a majority of the excitement seems to be stemming from the offensive side of the ball. With a full recruiting cycle, spring camp, and offseason to really make his mark, Guilford and second year offensive coordinator Josh Baker look to spread it out and let their athletes be athletes in the open field. While the quarterback position was a revolving door last fall, the transfer portal seems to have cleared the logjam with Luke Hyatt (Wadesboro, N.C.) projecting to lead the offense after throwing for a team-leading 1,001 yards and eight touchdowns last season. That said, Nick Danciu (Simpsonville, S.C.) commanded the team's best drive-and-change of the campaign when he got the starting nod against Methodist in week 2, finishing 6-6 with 95 yards and now after seeing two seasons end early, he is eager to make his mark. No matter who is throwing the ball, they will not lack weapons to deliver to as GC returns five of their top-six receivers from a year ago, as well as their top-two running backs. The receiving corps conversation begins with Shane Shapiro (Jacksonville, Fla.) who was on pace to rewrite record books and rank among the most productive wideouts in Division-III had he not missed a third of the year. That did allow Camo Campbell (Flowery Branch, Ga.) to emerge as a great option alongside as that tandem combined for half of GC's 166 receptions, and over half their receiving yards last year. Josh Long (Elon, N.C.) and Alex Wilson (Four Oakes, N.C.) enjoyed pop games as effective vertical threats and tight end Drew Winkler (North Wilkesboro, N.C.) returns after seeing his junior year cut short. An improved arial attack should really benefit a Quaker ground game that really struggled with efficiency last year, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry. However, with increased respect in the air, rushing lanes for Evan Sullivan (McBee, S.C.) and Malik Woodard (Wilson, N.C.) should open up behind an experienced offensive line that is highlighted by seniors Dom Bialer (West End, N.C.) and Daniel Grimmett (Madison, N.C.) and juniors Frantz Delalue (Sunrise, Fla.), Jorge Deltoro Jr. (Simpsonville, S.C.), and Tyler Key (Brooklyn, N.Y.).

Defensive Coordinator Khalid Jones will have his work cut out for him this year, after losing several major contributors to the graduation and the transfer portal, including two of Guilford's three All-ODAC defenders. Nick Iannone (Wellington, Fla.) has been a tackles machine since getting to Guilford and is back for his fifth season of eligibility after pacing the entire NCAA in tackles per game last year. Additionally, Ben Finkelstein (Southern Pines, N.C.) provides leadership and experience to the secondary. However, no other starter from Guilford's 2025 season finale is back in the mix. It does open the door for returning role players like Chase Evans (Fayetteville, N.C.), Tylar Johnson (Hickory, N.C.), Simeon Reid (Morganton, N.C.), Jaden Shively (Denton, N.C.), and Anthony Williams (Mount Airy, N.C.), all of whom saw some time last year, while freshman and transfers will help plug some holes too. Simply put, there is no lack of opportunity for those who are willing to seize it on the Quaker defense.

The GC special teams unit will be more similar to their defense experience-wise as their entire place kicking and punting operation do not return for special teams coordinator Jamel Warren.

Guilford opens the season on the road this year for the 25^th Annual Soup Bowl against Greensboro College on Saturday, September 5 at 6:00 PM. They follow that up with four-consecutive weeks at Appenzeller Field, hosting Methodist for their home-opener on Saturday, September 12 at 7:00 PM, Brevard College on Saturday, September 26 at 6:00 PM, Roanoke College for their homecoming game and ODAC opener on Saturday, October 3 at 1:00 PM, and finally Bridgewater on Saturday, October 10 at 1:00 PM. Guilford's Senior Day and Hall of Fame Game wraps up their home slate as they host Washington & Lee University on Saturday, October 31 at 4:00 PM.
 

Rk.	School (First-Place Votes)	Pts.
1.	Randolph-Macon College (7)	49 pts.
T-2.	Hampden-Sydney College (1)	38 pts.
T-2.	Washington & Lee University	38 pts.
4.	Shenandoah University	33 pts.
T-5.	Bridgewater College	23 pts.
T-5.	Roanoke College	23 pts.
7.	Guilford College	12 pts.
8.	Averett University	8 pts.

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