Winston-Salem State, the champions of the CIAA, are ranked in the top 25 heading into the 2014 season, a recent college football poll said.
According to CompughterRatings.com, WSSU is preseason No. 13, a few spots outside of the top 10 behind Missouri Western (12), Henderson State (11) and Ohio Dominican (10).
The Rams finished the 2013 season 10-2 (7-0 in the CIAA) before losing in the second round of the Division II playoffs for the third consecutive year.
WSSU head into the 2014 season winners of 24 consecutive games against CIAA competition, and favorites to capture the Southern Division championship.
WSSU led the CIAA preseason All-CIAA selections with seven, headed by quarterback RudyJohnson, Chase Powell, Michael Sabb, Justin Kee, Casey Davenpor, Danny Bunn and Everett Proctor.
Winston-Salem State will open the season at home Sept. 6 versus UNC-Pembroke.
