Three-time defending champion Holy Cross finished atop the 2022 Patriot League Football Preseason Poll when it was announced by the League office on Tuesday. Fordham graduate student quarterback Tim DeMorat and Lafayette graduate student defensive lineman Malik Hamm received preseason offensive and defensive player of the year, respectively.
The Crusaders (10-3, 6-0 PL) garnered 71 points and 11 first-place votes as they attempt to claim a Patriot League record fourth-straight League crown under defending coach of the year Bob Chesney. Fordham (6-5, 4-2 PL) was picked second in the preseason poll with 61 points and two first-place votes. Colgate (5-6, 5-1 PL) enters the 2022 season as the third-ranked team in the League with 50 points and one first-place vote. They finished second in the League in 2021 after being predicted to finish seventh in the preseason poll.
Lafayette (3-8, 2-4 PL), under the direction of new head coach John Troxell, was voted fourth in the preseason poll with 42 points. Lehigh (3-8, 3-3 PL) was picked fifth with 35 points after winning its final three games of the 2021 season. Georgetown (2-8, 1-5 PL) (21) and Bucknell (1-10, 0-6 PL) (14) were selected sixth and seventh, respectively, matching their finish at the conclusion of the 2021 season.
Voting for the preseason poll was completed by Patriot League football head coaches and sports information directors from the seven League schools. They cannot vote for their team or student-athletes.
2022 Patriot League Football Preseason Poll
1. Holy Cross, 71 points (11 first-place votes)
2. Fordham, 61 points (2)
3. Colgate, 50 (1)
4. Lafayette, 42
5. Lehigh, 35
6. Georgetown, 21
7. Bucknell, 14
Congrove Computer Rankings Projected Patriot League Order of Finish
1. Holy Cross
2. Fordham
3. Colgate
Complete Patriot League Computer Rankings