BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A year removed from posting a 2-6 conference record, while going on to finish 2-10 overall on the season, Bethune-Cookman Football has been picked to finish fifth in the Eastern Division of the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Preseason Poll, announced Wednesday, July 16, from the Football Media Day Headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama.
 
The Wildcats, now entering the third season under the helm of Head Coach Raymond Woodie Jr., received one (1) first place vote in the preseason poll, tallying 45 points altogether. Bethune-Cookman was predicted to finish ahead of Mississippi Valley State, who was predicted sixth, respectfully.
 
Four of B-CU's six league losses in 2024 came by a combined 13 points, including a 25-23 five-overtime decision in Baton Rouge, Louisiana against Southern University. That game began a string of three consecutive defeats to conclude the season – with all three losses coming by an average of 2.7 points. That includes a 41-38 setback to in-state foe Florida A&M in the Florida Blue Florida Classic played in Orlando.
 
Defending Cricket Celebration Bowl champion Jackson State (126 points) was predicted to finish atop the SWAC East, collecting 16 of a possible 22 first place votes. FAMU (99 points) was tabbed to end second, followed by Alabama State (91 points) in third, and then Alabama A&M (62 points) in fourth.
 
In the SWAC West, the predictions began with defending divisional champion Southern (120 pts.) at the top, followed in order by Alcorn State (90 pts.), Prairie View A&M (72 pts.), Texas Southern (60 pts.), Grambling State (55 pts.) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (28 pts.).
 
Bethune-Cookman begins the season Friday, Aug. 29, when the Wildcats travel to Florida International for a 7 p.m. kickoff in Miami. The first SWAC game for the Cats takes place Saturday, Sept. 27, when the Alabama A&M Bulldogs visit Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach at 3 p.m.
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Football on X/Twitter (@BCUGridIron) for all the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on X/Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCU_Athletics) and BCUathletics.com.