* – Merrimack ineligible for NEC title and FCS postseason play due to transition to NCAA Division I, and also ineligible for NEC title due to not playing a full conference schedule
The Pioneers finished the 2018 season 7–4, 5–1 in NEC play to be NEC co-champions with Duquesne. Due to their head-to-head loss to Duquesne, they did not receive the NEC's automatic bid to the FCS Playoffs and did not receive and at-large bid.
Preseason[]
Preseason coaches' poll[]
The NEC released their preseason coaches' poll on July 24, 2019. The Pioneers were picked to finish in second place.[1]
Predicted finish
Team (1st place votes)
1
Duquesne (7)
2
Sacred Heart (1)
3
Central Connecticut
4
Wagner
5
Bryant
6
Saint Francis
7
Robert Morris
8
LIU
Preseason All-NEC team[]
The Pioneers had two players at two positions selected to the preseason all-NEC team.[1]
Ranking movements Legend:██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking. NR = Not ranked. RV = Received votes. т = Tied with team above or below. ( ) = First place votes.