1. Presbyterian, who finished 2-9 overall and 1-5 in the Big South last season, returns just one all-conference performer in running back Darrell Bridges.
2. Monmouth, who is in the 3rd year of its 4 year commitment with the league, returns quarterback Cody Williams and Lavon Chaney as they look to make a move toward the top of the conference.
3. Monmouth safety Mike Basile returns. The All-Big South talent could develop into an All-American this season.
4. Gardner-Webb returns 10 starters on offense including quarterback Tyrell Maxwell who scorched the Flames with 278 total yards and 4 touchdowns.
5. Kennesaw State, in the program’s 2nd year, return all but one starter on each side of the ball. They hope to improve on their 6-5 overall and 2-4 conference record.
6. Charleston Southern, coming off its most successful season in school history, will be the favorite to repeat. The Bucs play at Liberty on November 12th.
7. CSU will have to replace quarterback Austin Brown, but replacing a QB might not be as problematic in the Buccaneers’ read option offense as it is for other teams who value the pass more.
8. Perhaps more importantly, Charleston Southern returns a trio of running backs (Darius Hammond, Mike Holloway, & Ben Robinson) that combined for over 2,000 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in 2015.
