ORONO, Maine -- The University of Maine football team will open the season at No. 7 in the STATS FCS Preseason Top 25, as announced by the organization on Monday, Aug. 5.

The Black Bears, who captured the outright Colonial Athletic Association title in 2018 before advancing to the NCAA FCS Semifinals, ended last season ranked No. 4 in the final STATS FCS Top 25 poll. The No. 4 ranking was the highest final ranking in the history of the Black Bears.

The Black Bears return 15 of 22 starters from last year's squad, including quarterback Chris Ferguson who will enter his third consecutive season as the starter under center, and preseason all-conference wideout Earnest Edwards who led the CAA in total touchdowns a year ago. Maine's defense, which led all of FCS in rush defense in 2018, welcomes back eight starters including its top two tacklers in preseason All-American Deshawn Stevens and preseason All-CAA selection Taji Lowe along with All-American corner Manny Patterson.

Five CAA teams were ranked in the STATS FCS Preseason Top 25, beginning with James Madison at No. 2. The Black Bears checked in at No. 7 and were followed by No. 11 Towson, No. 21 Elon and No. 22 Delaware. Five other CAA teams received votes in Stony Brook, New Hampshire, Villanova, Richmond and Rhode Island.

The Black Bears open the season on Aug. 30 when they host Sacred Heart at 6 p.m. Season memberships and single game tickets are available now and can be purchased by phone at 207.581.BEAR, online at GoBlackBears.com/tickets or in-person at the UMaine box office located at Alfond Arena.

-UMaine-