GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Barton College Football Team was voted to finish third overall in the 2026 Conference Carolinas Preseason Poll, league officials announced earlier today.
North Greenville, with five first-place votes, was picked to repeat as league champions. The Trailblazers (7-5, 6-0) won the first-ever Conference Carolinas Championship game last year and advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
The Bulldogs (3-8, 3-3) totaled 25 points. The 2026 Conference Carolinas Bowl takes place on Saturday, November 14, at the site of the league regular season championship.
Barton also had three Conference Carolinas Players to Watch: junior wide receiver
Jaidan Lee (Charlotte, N.C.), senior linebacker
Zayvion Brady (Whiteville, N.C.) and sophomore defensive back
Zy-Hir Williams (Newark, N.J.).
Barton opens the season on Thursday, August 27, at 6:00 p.m., at Virginia State in Ettrick, Va. The Bulldogs host Shaw in their 2026 home opener on Saturday, September 5, at 7:00 p.m., at Electric Supply Company Field and Truist Stadium.
2026 Conference Carolinas Football
Preseason Poll
1. North Greenville 35 (5)
2. UNC Pembroke 32 (2)
3. Barton 25
4. Ferrum 19
5t. Chowan 15
5t. Shorter 15
7. Erskine 6
