West Liberty University's football team kicks off the 2026 season tied for seventh in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) preseason poll, earning 22 points alongside Concord. This marks the start of head coach Chad Salisbury’s tenure as he aims to strengthen the team's roster and establish a solid foundation. Frostburg State leads the poll with 64 points, following a successful 2025 campaign, while Charleston and Fairmont State take second and third place, respectively. The Hilltoppers will debut their season against Walsh on August 27, beginning a challenging schedule in the MEC.

By the Numbers
  • West Liberty tied with Concord for seventh place with 22 points.
  • Frostburg State received 64 points and eight first-place votes, ranking first in the MEC poll.
Yes, But

The poll results reflect a competitive MEC landscape where West Liberty must overcome strong contenders like Frostburg State and Charleston, which poses challenges for the new coaching staff.

State of Play
  • The Hilltoppers are focused on roster development and program-building in their first season under coach Salisbury.
  • West Liberty's first MEC game will be against the reigning champions, adding pressure on the team's preseason preparations.
What's Next

As the Hilltoppers prepare to face Walsh, expectations for the upcoming season will hinge on how effectively the new coaching staff can implement their strategies and maximize player performance.

Bottom Line

With a new era underway, West Liberty University's football team must quickly adapt to the competitive MEC landscape to improve upon their preseason ranking and make an impact this season.