Coming off the program’s eighth conference title, the Delta State football team has been predicted to win the Gulf South Conference (GSC) heading into the 2023 season.
In a poll by GSC head coaches, the Statesmen ousted West Florida for the top preseason spot with 61 total points and six first-place votes. In 2022, Delta State and West Florida finished as league co-champions, both with one-loss regular seasons.
If predictions hold, Delta State will win back-to-back titles for the first time since 2010 and 2011. West Florida, on the other hand, is vying to be the first team since Valdosta State to win three consecutive GSC crowns. The Blaze achieved the feat from 2018-21.
Mississippi College, the only other Magnolia State team in the GSC, was projected to finish sixth. The Choctaws are coming off a 4-7 record but are expected to have a more balanced offense under new offensive coordinator Courtland Hays.
Delta State will begin the season at Missouri S&T while Mississippi College will take on Keiser in week one. Both games are set for Thursday, August 31.
2023 GSC Coaches Preseason Poll
( ) – Denotes first-place votes
- Delta State – 61 points (6)
- West Florida – 56 points (2)
- West Georgia – 52 points (1)
- West Alabama – 44 points
- Valdosta State – 33 points
- Mississippi College – 32 points
- North Greenville – 24 points
- Shorter – 13 points
- Chowan – 10 points
Cooley, Shegog take home major awards as 12 Delta State players named All-GSC
