GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The Citadel placed three Bulldogs on the 2026 Preseason All-Southern Conference first team, including Quentin Hayes at quarterback, Tyler Heggins-Hill on the offensive line and Tommy DiLiegro as long snapper, per an announcement from the league Tuesday morning as part the annual SoCon Football Media Days.

Additionally, the league released the 2026 Southern Conference Preseason Coaches Poll to round out Media Days, positioning the Bulldogs as ninth overall behind 22 total votes.

"Preseason polls don't win football games, and July doesn't determine what happens in November. Our focus is on improving every day and earning everything we get," head coach Maurice Drayton said. "Predictions don't block, tackle or score touchdowns, so we'll let our football do the talking. We know the challenge that comes with competing in the Southern Conference. It's one of the toughest and most balanced leagues in FCS. There are no Saturdays off and no easy conference games. Every week demands your best, and that's exactly what we're preparing to give."

Hayes earned first-team recognition at quarterback after appearing in 11 games during the 2025 season. The Enterprise, Ala, native completed 58-of-92 passes for 897 yards and eight TDs while rushing for a team-high 682 yards and seven scores on 153 carries, finishing the season with 1,579 yards of total offense and 15 total touchdowns. Hayes rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns in The Citadel's 28-10 road victory over Chattanooga. He also helped lead a fourth-quarter comeback against rival VMI, throwing two of his three touchdown passes in the final period as the Bulldogs scored 28 unanswered points to earn a 35-24 victory.

Heggins-Hill served as a key member of The Citadel offensive line throughout the 2025 campaign, playing a versatile role as a starter for the Bulldogs at either guard or tackle every game. The Raleigh, N.C., product acted as an anchor as the Bulldogs averaged 210.6 rushing yards per game, good for ninth nationally in the FCS and first in the Southern Conference. The offensive line also allowed just 1.67 sacks per game, the second-best mark in the league.

Finally, DiLiegro handled The Citadel's primary long-snapping duties across all 12 games during his first season with the Bulldogs. Notably, the Charleston native bolstered the special teams unit as the Citadel completed the year without allowing a blocked punt or kick. DiLiegro paired with All-American punter James Platte on the latter's journey to FCS Punter of the Year accolades, not to mention the Bulldogs' program record for career punt average.

The Citadel kicks off the 2026 season with a Southern Conference road matchup at Wofford on Saturday, Aug. 29, before traveling to Charlotte on Sept. 5. The Bulldogs open the home slate at Johnson Hagood Stadium against cross-city rival Charleston Southern on Sept. 12 in the second edition of the Lowcountry Boil Bowl.