SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Shepherd University is ranked 15th in the 2018 D2Football.com Preseason Poll for August 16. The Rams were recently ranked 16th in the AFCA NCAA II Preseason Poll.

Shepherd finished the 2017 season with a 10-1 overall record and a 10-0 mark as Mountain East Conference champions. The Rams advanced to the NCAA II Playoffs for the third consecutive season.

The Rams open the 2018 season on Sept. 1 when they travel to Notre Dame College for a noon contest.

2018 D2 Football.com Preseason Poll (8-16-18)

Team 2017 Record

1. Minnesota State 13-1

2. Texas A&M-Commerce 14-1

3. West Florida 11-4

4. IUP 13-1

5. Northwest Missouri 9-3

6. Central Washington 11-1

7. Ferris State 11-2

8. Midwestern State 10-1

9. Fort Hays 11-1

10. Harding 11-4

11. West Alabama 10-3

12. Indianapolis 11-1

13. CSU-Pueblo 9-3

14. Grand Valley 8-3

15. Shepherd 10-1

16. Ashland 11-2

17. Winona State 10-2

18. Sioux Falls 9-3

19. Central Missouri 9-3

20. Assumption 11-2

21. West Georgia 9-4

22. Findlay 10-3

23. Pittsburg State 8-4

24. Virginia State 10-1

25. Ouachita Baptist 9-3