D2football.com Preseason Top 25 (Complete)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - With the 2010 Delta State University football season just around the corner, the Statesmen enter the first D2Football.com Poll at No. 21, just ahead of fellow Gulf South Conference rival Valdosta State, as released by D2Football.com on Tuesday.

The Statesmen, who finished last season 5-5 overall and 4-4 in Gulf South Conference play, were among four GSC teams ranked in the top 25. West Alabama checks in at No. 25 as the fourth GSC team in this week's poll.

Headlining the poll is perennial power and defending champion Northwest Missouri State followed by No. 2 Grand Valley State. North Alabama comes in at No. 3 while Lone Star Conference power Abilene Christian checks in at No. 4.

Central Washington at No. 5, Minnesota-Duluth at No. 6, California at No. 7 and West Liberty at No. 8 hold down the middle of the pack while No. 9 Washburn and Nebraska-Kearney round out the top 10.

The Statesmen begin the season Saturday, September 4 at Jackson State University. Kickoff is set for 4pm at Mississippi Veterans' Memorial Stadium in Jackson. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 3pm.