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, 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]
Preseason
Preseason polls
WAC Poll
The Western Athletic Conference coaches released their preseason poll on July 27, 2021. The Lumberjacks were picked to finish second in the conference. In addition, several Lumberjacks were selected to both the preseason WAC Offense and Defense teams.[2]
Predicted finish
Team
Votes (1st place)
1
Sam Houston
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.