Real Football Central: The RFC Offseason Schedule Tracker: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)-(NCAA Division II)

Friday, August 07, 2026

The RFC Offseason Schedule Tracker: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)-(NCAA Division II)

Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) (NCAA Division II)

Predicted Order of Finish (courtesy of the SIAC)

Overview: After posting their best finish in program history in 2025, the Albany State University Golden Rams will look to start over under new head coach David Bowser in 2026. He replaces Quinn Gray, who stepped down during the offseason to become the head coach at Florida A&M.

The Golden Rams picked up playoff wins over Valdosta State and Benedict before succumbing to Newberry in the NCAA Division II national quarterfinals. ASU finished the 2025 season at 12-2 overall, which included an undefeated finish of 8-0 in SIAC action, and defeating Benedict three times along the way, including wins in the SIAC title game and the D-II playoffs.

Speaking of Benedict, the Tigers from Columbia, South Carolina pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in NCAA Division II playoff history, as they rallied from a 24-0 deficit to defeat and eliminate Wingate, 25-24, thanks to a "hook-and-ladder" touchdown from 86 yards away on the game's final play. Following the third and final loss to Albany State the following week, Benedict settled for a final mark of 10-3 overall to finish the 2025 season.

The third SIAC squad to advance to postseason play last fall was the Kentucky State University Thorobreds from Frankfort, Kentucky. Unlike ASU and Benedict, however, KSU's season was cut short in the first round of the D-II playoffs by eventual national semifinalist Newberry, with the Wolves rolling past the Thorobreds, 45-24. Kentucky State finished its 2025 campaign at 9-3 overall following the loss to Newberry.

Expect the unexpected in the SIAC this season, as Edward Waters was picked to finish first in the conference by the head coaches and sports information directors. That comes despite the Tigers from Jacksonville, Florida finishing their 2025 campaign at 5-5 overall, and 4-4 in SIAC action.