During the Sun Belt media days on July 18–19 via videoconferencing, Florida International was selected as the favorite to win the conference in the coaches poll.

Hilton of Florida International and Lance Dunbar of North Texas were selected as the preseason co-offensive players of the year and Jonathan Massaquoi of Troy was named the preseason defensive player of the year.

NOTE: Stats shown are before the beginning of the season All dates, times, and TV are tentative and subject to change.

[19] Players of the week:[20] Louisiana-Lafayette kicker Brett Baer was also named one of the Lou Groza Award Stars of the Week after making 3 field goals including the game winner as time expired.

2011 Sun Belt Player of the Year awards[30] Coaches All-Conference Selections[30]