[6] Mitchell Gale was named NCAA Division II pre-season Offensive Player of the Year by Lindy's magazine.

He was also place on the pre-season All-American first team along with Lone Star Conference's Offensive Preseason Player of the Year.

[9] Angelo State finished 5-6, 2-6 in conference last season, making it sixth year in a row that ASU missed the playoffs.

Gary Salgado was named the new defensive end coach and special team coordinator after spending last season as a graduate assistant.

Eastern New Mexico hired Josh Lynn to replace Mark Ribaudo who resigned at the end of the season.

[18] [19] Texas A&M-Kingsville junior place kicker Matt Stoll on the Mitchell Award Watch List.