It marks the first time that the Eagles have been ranked by the D2Football.com poll since falling out after a loss to Newberry during the 2014 season.
C-N finished the year as the highest ranked team in the South Atlantic Conference, in front of No. 25 Catawba.
The Eagles have been ranked at some point in every season since 1995. C-N closes the season tied for 21st in the AFCA coaches poll.
The season was highlighted by a rebound from a 3-2 start to make the NCAA playoffs and postseason play for a 25th time under head coach Ken Sparks. Along the way, Damian Baker (Columbus, Miss.) and Derek Evans(Alcoa, Tenn.) garnered major national recognition as a Harlon Hill finalist and Rimington Trophy winner, respectively.
Team |
Record |
Previously |
|
1 |
Northwest Missouri |
15-0 |
2 |
2 |
West Georgia |
12-2 |
6 |
3 |
Shepherd |
13-1 |
7 |
4 |
Grand Valley |
12-3 |
12 |
5 |
CSU-Pueblo |
12-2 |
3 |
6 |
Ferris State |
11-1 |
1 |
7 |
Emporia State |
11-3 |
23 |
8 |
Slippery Rock |
12-2 |
8 |
9 |
Valdosta State |
9-3 |
15 |
10 |
Ashland |
10-1 |
4 |
11 |
Minnesota State |
10-2 |
5 |
12 |
Tuskegee |
10-3 |
19 |
13 |
North Alabama |
9-3 |
9 |
14 |
Henderson State |
11-2 |
14 |
15 |
Humboldt State |
10-2 |
11 |
16 |
Assumption |
11-2 |
17 |
17 |
Sioux Falls |
9-3 |
16 |
18 |
Midwestern State |
10-2 |
10 |
19 |
IUP |
9-3 |
NR |
20 |
Augustana |
9-3 |
21 |
21 |
Texas A&M-Commerce |
8-4 |
13 |
22 |
Central Missouri |
8-3 |
22 |
23 |
Minnesota Duluth |
9-3 |
18 |
24 |
Carson-Newman |
9-3 |
NR |
25 |
Catawba |
9-3 |
25 |