Duquesne, Robert Morris ranked in top 3 in NEC preseason poll

Duquesne has earned at least a share of the Northeast Conference title the past two seasons and was picked Monday to again contend for the title.

The Dukes were ranked second in the NEC football preseason coaches poll. They had two first-place votes.

Robert Morris, which went 4-2 in the NEC last season, tied with LIU for third. The Colonials had one first-place vote.

Seven-time conference champion Central Connecticut was picked to finish first, with five first-place votes.

Wagner, Saint Francis, Mercyhurst and Stonehill round out the rankings.

NEC newcomer New Haven was not included on the poll because the Chargers won’t play a conference schedule until 2026.

Duquesne had seven players picked to the All-NEC preseason team.

Three were first-team all-conference selections in 2024 — graduate defensive lineman A.J. Ackerman (Elizabeth Forward), junior defensive lineman Jack Dunkley and redshirt senior defensive back Antonio Epps (South Allegheny).

The other Dukes honored were RB Taj Butts, WR Joey Isabella, OL Michael Fallah and DB DJ Cerisier.

Isabella was a unanimous pick.

Robert Morris was represented on the team by TE Chaz Middleton and K Jayson Jenkins (Gateway).