WAC-ASUN Challenge: Preseason Power Rankings2. Central Arkansas
Unlike their former Southland Conference counterparts at the top of the power rankings, the Bears have had plenty of time to rest up in 2021.
Central Arkansas entered last fall ahead of Sam Houston at the No. 1 spot in the SLC’s preseason poll. Unlike the Bearkats, however, UCA elected to pass on the opportunity to compete for championships in the spring, opting to play for television exposure and financial opportunities in the fall instead. The Bears will be fully rested this season as a result, unlike the league’s other two presumed top contenders. They lose a star cornerback in Los Angeles Rams fourth-round pick Robert Rochell, but bring back three offensive playmakers with All-American potential in quarterback Breylin Smith and receivers Lujuan Winningham and Tyler Hudson.
Game to watch: at Arkansas State, Sept. 4