CORBIN, Ky. | NSBNsports.com | August 10, 2026 — Pikeville edged defending champion Reinhardt for the top spot in the 2026 Appalachian Athletic Conference football preseason coaches poll released Monday.
Pikeville received one first-place vote and 36 voting points. The Bears shared the 2024 conference championship and are seeking their first outright AAC title.
Reinhardt placed second with two first-place votes and 32 points. The Eagles have won or shared the conference championship in each of the four seasons since the AAC began sponsoring football as a championship sport.
Kentucky Christian received two first-place votes and finished third with 28 points. Bluefield placed fourth with 24 points, followed by Point with one first-place vote and 20 points.
The complete preseason poll:
1. Pikeville (1 first-place vote), 36 points
2. Reinhardt (2), 32
3. Kentucky Christian (2), 28
4. Bluefield, 24
5. Point (1), 20
6. Union Commonwealth, 19
7. Rio Grande, 9
The regular season begins Aug. 27 with four AAC teams in action. Conference play is scheduled to begin Oct. 3.
This report includes information released by the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
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