ATLANTA – South Carolina, still the reigning MCLA Division I national champion, has been installed as the favorite again in 2021, according to the preseason coaches poll that was released on Friday.

The Gamecocks, who were 9-2 at the conclusion of the 2020 campaign and ranked No. 8 in the country, received six of the eight first place votes.

South Carolina was followed by Georgia Tech in the second spot. The Yellow Jackets, which grabbed a first-place vote, were 8-2 at the conclusion of ’20 and ranked fifth in the country. The Wreck were coming off a victory over South Carolina and a loss to New Hampshire when the season died.

Florida State grabbed the final first-place vote to settle into the third chair just ahead of rival Florida in the 10-team league.

“It’s always nice to get some love during the 'talking season,' but we have plenty to prove between the lines,” said South Carolina coach James Harkey. “I'm proud of how our guys handled the unique challenges of this fall. We can't wait to get back on the field to compete.”

2021 SELC Division I Preseason Coaches Poll