EASTON, Pa. – Coming off a 2023 Patriot League championship, Lafayette football has been picked 18^th in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) FCS Coaches Poll announced on Monday morning.
 
Earlier in the month, the Leopards were selected 17^th in the Stats Perform Preseason Poll.
 
In 2023, Lafayette was ranked as high as No. 16, while finishing the season 19^th in the AFCA Coaches poll and 21^st in the final Stats Perform rankings. The Leopards recorded a 9-3 mark and advanced to the NCAA FCS Playoffs where they faced No. 11/12 Delaware. 

Lafayette was unanimously selected to make a repeat run for the Patriot League title when the conference's preseason predictions were announced on July 24. Nine players (six on offense and three on defense) earned Preseason All-Patriot League honors including the Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and preseason All-American Jamar Curtis. The junior running back is the nation's leading returning rusher at 132.7 yards per game after rushing for 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023.
 
The Maroon and White return eight starters on each side of the ball and have depth across the roster. The Leopards, who are in week three of training camp, are slated to open the season on Aug. 29 at FBS foe Buffalo.