SILVER CITY, NM. — Western New Mexico University football was picked to finish ninth in the 2026 Lone Star Conference preseason poll, which was announced Thursday at LSC Football Media Day at McKinney ISD Stadium's Community Event Center.
The Mustangs received 58 points in the preseason poll, which is voted on by LSC head coaches, sports information directors and media members.
WNMU was represented at LSC Football Media Day by head coach Billy Hickman, senior offensive lineman Daniel Gonzalez (Norco, CA/Norco High School) and junior defensive back Clayton Zentner (Corona, CA/Norco High School).
Gonzalez and Zentner were each recognized as a player to watch heading into the 2026 season. Gonzalez was selected as the Mustangs' preseason offensive player to watch, while Zentner earned the distinction as WNMU's preseason defensive player to watch.
Gonzalez enters the season as a key veteran presence along the offensive line, while Zentner will look to anchor the Mustangs' defensive secondary as WNMU prepares for the upcoming campaign.
Central Washington was selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2026 LSC football championship, receiving 276 points and 16 first-place votes. Western Oregon was picked second, followed by West Texas A&M, Angelo State and UT Permian Basin.
Texas A&M-Kingsville was selected sixth, followed by Eastern New Mexico, Midwestern State, Western New Mexico and Sul Ross State.
The 2026 LSC football season is set to begin Thursday, Aug. 27, with Western New Mexico on the road at Adams State. The Mustangs will compete in a nine-game conference schedule as the LSC champion is determined.
WNMU will look to build on its foundation under Hickman as the Mustangs enter the 2026 season with Gonzalez and Zentner leading the way on their respective sides of the ball.
***
Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).
