After earning a fourth Sooner Athletic Conference championship in 2023, the OUAZ Football team is picked to do so again in 2024.

During the virtual media day put on by the SAC, the Spirit were chosen No. 1 by the coaches in the preseason poll.

OUAZ earned 61 total points in the poll and collected six of the nine first-place votes. Right behind the Spirit is Louisiana Christian, with season-opening opponent Texas Wesleyan in third.

Complete SAC Football Preseason Poll:

1. OUAZ – 61 points (6 first-place votes)
2. Louisiana Christian – 56 (3)
3. Texas Wesleyan – 50
4. Langston – 45
5. Panhandle State – 35
6. Nelson – 29
7. Wayland Baptist – 22
8. Arkansas Baptist – 14
9. Texas College – 12

Head coach Mike Nesbitt participated in the conference's virtual media day session. The interview can be viewed here.

The Spirit will open its season at home Saturday, Sept. 7 against Texas Wesleyan, with kickoff in Surprise set for 7 p.m.