NEWBERRY — Summer is ending and fall is near, so that means it is almost time for some football. The 2026 South Atlantic Conference was released this week and it had the Wolves predicted to finish second in the conference. Newberry College shocked the entire state and Division II last year with their remarkable run to the semifinals.
The Wolves finished the season with a 9-1 overall record, and made a living on late game comebacks. They finish the season with a 12-2 record after failing to the defending national champs Ferris State, who went on to repeat as champs in 2025. Head coach Todd Knight also secured his 100th victory last season with a 43-42 win over Wingate.
The defending South Atlantic Conference champions received five first-place votes in the preseason poll, finishing just behind Wingate Bulldogs, who claimed the top spot. The Wolves and Bulldogs were separated by just one point in the voting after Newberry’s remarkable 2025 campaign.
Newberry enters the 2026 season following a historic year that saw the Wolves post a 12-2 overall record, capture the South Atlantic Conference Championship, and advance to the NCAA Division II National Semifinals before falling to eventual national champion Ferris State Bulldogs. The Wolves also finished the season ranked No. 4 in the final AFCA Division II Coaches Poll.
The championship season was highlighted by a thrilling 43-42 victory over Wingate, a win that secured head coach Todd Knight’s 100th career victory while helping propel the Wolves to the South Atlantic Conference title.
After being picked seventh in the 2025 preseason poll, Newberry exceeded expectations under Knight’s leadership, producing one of the finest seasons in program history and earning national recognition throughout the postseason.
In addition to the preseason poll, the South Atlantic Conference announced each program’s six Players to Watch for the upcoming season. Representing Newberry are:
De’Andre Coleman – Wide Receiver | Junior | Hueytown, Ala.
Jonah Norris – Running Back | Redshirt Junior | Lexington, S.C.
Mason Kidd – Quarterback | Redshirt Junior | Lawrenceville, Ga.
Mikey Blandin – Linebacker | Senior | Charleston, S.C.
Avery McFadden – Defensive Back | Redshirt Sophomore | Simpsonville, S.C.
Mason Grier – Linebacker | Sophomore | Rock Hill, S.C.
The Wolves will open the 2026 season on Saturday, Sep. 5 as they play host to Reinhardt at 7:00 P.M., and will look to defend their South Atlantic Conference championship and build upon last year’s memorable postseason run.
2026 South Atlantic Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Wingate – 68 (2 first-place votes)
2. Newberry – 67 (5)
3. Lenoir-Rhyne – 63 (2)
4. Carson-Newman – 59 (1)
5. Emory & Henry – 56
6. Catawba – 46
7. Anderson – 36
8. Mars Hill – 31
9. UVA Wise – 18
10. Tusculum – 11