BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – After achieving the best record (6-6) in its seven-year DI history in 2025, the Long Island University Sharks football team has placed third on the NEC Preseason Poll heading into the 2026 campaign.

LIU put an exclamation point on 2025 after tallying wins in four out of its last five contests and a 4-1 overall record at home. 

As the team looks to build on that same momentum heading into the new season, five Sharks -- quarterback Ethan Greenwood, defensive back Trey Watkins, offensive lineman Sean Broderick, defensive tackle Kezni Brown, and linebacker Rafael Fasolino -- have earned NEC Football Preseason All-Conference honors. 

Earning NEC Preseason for the second straight season, Greenwood's latest honor comes on the heels of a strong season. The Baldwin, N.Y. native threw for 645 yards and three touchdowns while adding 416 rushing yards and four scores on the ground in 2025.

Watkins established himself as one of the premier defensive backs in the NEC last season. The Rahway, N.J. native's selection comes following a 2025 campaign in which he earned NEC Defensive Player of the Week honors on two different occasions, while leading the NEC and tying for second in the FCS with five interceptions. He also tallied 51 total tackles (36 solo, 15 assisted), one tackle for loss, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble.

Broderick's honor comes after he anchored an offensive line unit that saw the Sharks average 170.2 rushing yards per game and more than 294.3 yards of total offense per contest during the 2025 season. 

Brown earns preseason recognition after developing into a significant contributor on the defensive line. The Vero Beach, Fla. product helped bolster a Shark defense that limited opponents to 133.6 rushing yards per game.

Rounding things out, Fasolino was one of the leaders of the LIU defense in 2025, finishing with 47 total tackles, including 32 solo stops, while adding two pass breakups. The linebacker also earned NEC Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2025.

LIU will open the season on Thursday, Aug. 27, visiting North Dakota at 8 p.m. The team will make its return to Shark Stadium to host its home opener Sept. 12 against UAlbany at 12 p.m. Season tickets are available here.