Where Southern Miss football, Will Hall were picked in Sun Belt 2024 preseason poll

The Sun Belt Conference preseason coaches poll was released Monday and expectations are low for Southern Miss football after its 3-9 season.

The poll was split into the Sun Belt's two divisions, with Southern Miss picked to finish in second-to-last place in the West with 31 points. Louisiana-Monroe was chosen for last place in the West with 16 points, while Georgia State, in the East Division, was the only other team with fewer points (19) than Southern Miss.

In addition, Southern Miss had zero players selected to the two Preseason All-Sun Belt Teams.

Texas State is predicted to win the West Division with nine first-place votes. Troy and Louisiana also received first-place votes in the West. Appalachian State was picked for first place in the East Division with James Madison in second.

App State quarterback Joey Aguilar won Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and Old Dominion linebacker Jason Henderson won Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

The Golden Eagles open the 2024 season on Aug. 31 at Kentucky (6:45 p.m., SEC Network).

Sun Belt 2024 preseason football coaches poll

East Divison

1. Appalachian State (96 points, 12 first-place votes)
2. James Madison (79 points, two first-place votes)
3. Coastal Carolina (67 points)
4. Georgia Southern (50 points)
5. Marshall (49 points)
6. Old Dominion (32 points)
7. Georgia State (19 points)

West Division

1. Texas State (92 points, nine first-place votes)
2. Troy (68 points, four first-place votes)
3. Louisiana (66 points, one first-place vote)
4. Arkansas State (65 points)
5. South Alabama (54 points)
6. Southern Miss (31 points)
7. ULM (16 points)

Sam Sklar is the Southern Miss beat reporter for the Hattiesburg American. Email him at ssklar@hattiesb.gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.