GREENVILLE, S.C. – A strong showing during the inaugural 2025 Conference Carolinas football season paid dividends for the UNC Pembroke football team as the Braves were picked to finish second with the release of the Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches Poll on Tuesday.  

The Black & Gold picked up two first-place votes and a total of 32 points in the poll. North Greenville collected five first-place votes and a total of 35 points as favorites in the league, while Barton rounded out the top three with 25 total points.

The preseason coaches poll is voted on by each head coach in the league and coaches are not permitted to vote for their own team. 

The Conference Carolinas Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, November 14 and will be hosted by the regular season champion.

UNCP finished the 2025 season with an 8-3 record and a 5-1 record in conference play. UNCP knocked off a pair of ranked teams during the season and picked up their own national ranking as high as 19 last year. The Braves played North Greenville in the inaugural Conference Carolinas Bowl last season. 

The Braves will officially begin the 2026 season on August 27 when they host Wingate at 6 p.m. at Grace P. Johnson Stadium for Military Appreciation Night. The Black & Gold will play their first conference game on September 12 when they travel to Shorter. UNCP will play their first home conference game on October 3 when they host North Greenville for Education & Service Day. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.