GREENVILLE, S.C. — UNC Pembroke was picked seventh with the release of the Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches Poll on Thursday.
 
Francis Marion narrowly took the top spot with six first-place votes and 210 points to edge out 2025-26 Conference Carolinas Tournament champion Lees-McRae, who earned seven first-place votes and 206 points. Belmont Abbey picked up the other three first-place votes and 198 points, with Barton (179 points), and Chowan (152) rounding out the top five. Young Harris earned 150 points to settle in at sixth just above the Black & Gold's 147 points.
 
Points were awarded on a 15-14-13-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis, and coaches are not permitted to vote for their own teams. 
 
The Braves will officially lift the lid on the 2026-27 schedule November 13-14, as they make the short trip to Wingate for the Conference Challenge. UNCP will play Wingate on November 13 at 6 p.m. followed by a matchup with Coker on November 14 at 2 p.m. UNCP's home opener will also mark the start of Conference Carolinas play, as the Braves play host to North Greenville on November 21. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.

Teams	Total (First Place Votes)
Francis Marion	210 (6)
Lees-McRae	206 (7)
Belmont Abbey	198 (3)
Barton	179
Chowan	152
Young Harris	150
UNC Pembroke	147
King	135
Emmanuel	104
Shorter	96
Ferrum	95
North Greenville	73
Mount Olive	68
Converse	49
Southern Wesleyan	43
Erskine	15