The University of Rhode Island football team is on the national radar, on FCS preseason poll

Bill Koch, The Providence Journal
·2 min read
URI head football coach Jim Fleming watches his team during its annual Blue-White game in April.
URI head football coach Jim Fleming watches his team during its annual Blue-White game in April.

The University of Rhode Island will begin this college football campaign on the national radar.

The Rams are No. 14 in the FCS preseason poll released by Athlon Sports on Monday. Villanova is the lone Colonial Athletic Association program ahead of URI, checking in at No. 8.

More: University of Rhode Island holds spring practice, including the annual Blue-White game

More: URI Rams remain in playoff picture; Pressure is on Bryant after loss

A first playoff berth since 1985 narrowly eluded the Rams last season, as they finished one win shy at 7-4 overall. URI went 4-4 in conference play, including a 22-15 home win against No. 9 Delaware. The Rams captured both of their in-state rivalry games in convincing fashion against Bryant and Brown, posting a scoring margin of 90-45.

URI started last season 5-0 before enduring a three-game losing streak. The Rams bounced back with a 35-22 win at Massachusetts, a former rival and current FBS program that paid an undisclosed sum to be humiliated on its home field. URI controlled New Hampshire in a 28-3 win on Senior Day at Meade Stadium before falling to Elon, 43-28, to close the season.

URI quarterback Kasim Hill, in action against New Hampshire last season, is one of the key returning players for the Rams this fall.
URI quarterback Kasim Hill, in action against New Hampshire last season, is one of the key returning players for the Rams this fall.

The Rams bring back some significant pieces from their 2021 group, including starting quarterback Kasim Hill. Running back Kevin Brown Jr. is expected to return from the knee injury that cost him all of last season. Defensive backs Jordan Jones and Evan Stewart anchor that unit.

The top of the CAA is wide open with perennial power James Madison bolting for the Sun Belt and the FBS ranks. The Blue Hens are ranked 20th, William & Mary slotted in at No. 23 and the Phoenix wrapped up the poll at No. 25.

North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Montana, Montana State and Missouri State make up the top five in the poll. The Missouri Valley and the Big Sky matched the CAA with five teams apiece included. Holy Cross is among those in the region expected to enjoy a strong season, coming in at No. 11.

bkoch@providencejournal.com    

On Twitter: @BillKoch25 

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: URI finished 7-4 overall last season.