The 2021 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks football team represented Stephen F. Austin State University in the 2021 NCAA Division I FCS football season as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The Lumberjacks were led by third-year head coach Colby Carthel and played their home games at Homer Bryce Stadium.
The Western Athletic Conference and ASUN Conference announced the formation of the WAC-ASUN Challenge (AQ7) for the 2021 season on February 23, 2021. The Challenge included the four fully qualified Division I (FCS) members of the WAC (Abilene Christian, Lamar, Sam Houston, and Stephen F. Austin) and Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, and Jacksonville State of the ASUN Conference. The winner of the challenge received an auto-bid to the NCAA Division I FCS football playoffs.
Preseason
Preseason polls WAC Poll The Western Athletic Conference coaches released their preseason poll on July 27, 2021. The Lumberjacks were picked to finish second in the conference. In addition, several Lumberjacks were selected to both the preseason WAC Offense and Defense teams.
1 Sam Houston 20 (5) 2 Stephen F. Austin 16 (1) 3 Tarleton State 11 4 Lamar 8 5 Abilene Christian 5 Note: Dixie State is not included since they are not playing a full WAC schedule due to previous non-conference game contracts. Dixie State players are eligible for individual rewards.
Preseason All–WAC Team
Offense
Xavier Gipson – Wide Receiver, SO Zach Ingram – Offensive Lineman, SR
Defense
B. J. Thompson – Defensive Lineman, JR Brevin Randle – Linebacker, SO
AQ7 Poll The AQ7 coaches also released their preseason poll on July 27, 2021. The Lumberjacks were picked to finish fourth in the ASUN-WAC Challenge.
1 Sam Houston 49 (7) 2 Central Arkansas 40 3 Jacksonville State 37 4 Stephen F. Austin 27 5 Eastern Kentucky 20 6 Abilene Christian 15 7 Lamar 8
Schedule
References