The Western Athletic Conference and ASUN Conference announced the formation of the WAC–ASUN Challenge (AQ7) for the 2021 season on February 23, 2021. The Challenge included the four fully qualified Division I (FCS) members of the WAC (Abilene Christian, Lamar, Sam Houston State, and Stephen F. Austin) and Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, and Jacksonville State of the ASUN Conference. The winner of the challenge received an auto-bid to the NCAA Division I FCS football playoffs.[1]
In 2020–21, the Bearkats finished the regular season 6–0, and 6–0 in the Southland, and won their eighth conference title. The Bearkats then went 4–0 in the FCS playoffs to finish 10–0 as FCS champions.
Preseason[]
Preseason polls[]
WAC Poll[]
The Western Athletic Conference coaches released their preseason poll on July 27, 2021. The Bearkats were picked to finish first in the conference. In addition, several Bearkats were selected to the preseason WAC Offense, Defense, and Special teams. Eric Schmid was selected preseason offensive player of the year. Jahari Kay was selected defensive player of the year.[2]
Predicted finish
Team
Votes (1st place)
1
Sam Houston State
20 (5)
2
Stephen F. Austin
16 (1)
3
Tarleton State
11
4
Lamar
8
5
Abilene Christian
5
Note: Dixie State is not included since they are not playing a full WAC schedule due to previous non-conference game contracts. Dixie State players are eligible for individual rewards.
Preseason All–WAC Team[]
Offense
Eric Schmid – Quarterback, JR
Ramon Jefferson – Running Back, JR
Ramon Jefferson – Running Back, JR
Jequez Ezzard – Wide Receiver, GR
Isaac Schley – Tight End, GR
Eleasah Anderson – Offensive Lineman, JR
Prince Pines – Offensive Lineman, SO
Colby Thomas – Offensive Lineman, SR
Defense
Jahari Kay – Defensive Lineman, SR
Trace Mascorro – Defensive Lineman, SR
Joseph Wallace – Defensive Lineman, SR
Quentin Brown – Linebacker, JR
Trevor Williams – Linebacker, JR
Zyon McCollum – Defensive Back, SR
Jalen Thomas – Defensive Back, SR
Special Teams
Seth Morgan – Kicker, FR
Matt McRobert – Punter, SR
Jequez Ezzard – Kick Returner, GR
AQ7 Poll[]
The AQ7 coaches also released their preseason poll on July 27, 2021. The Bearkats were picked to finish first in the ASUN-WAC Challenge.[3]
Predicted finish
Team
Votes (1st place)
1
Sam Houston State
49 (7)
2
Central Arkansas
40
3
Jacksonville State
37
4
Stephen F. Austin
27
5
Eastern Kentucky
20
6
Abilene Christian
15
7
Lamar
8
Roster[]
2021 Sam Houston State Bearkats football team roster