With the release of the 2017 Conference USA Preseason Media Poll, Western Kentucky was picked to win the East Division with 20 of a possible 28 first-place votes.
The Hilltoppers are aiming to become the first team in league history to win three consecutive C-USA titles.
In addition, quarterback Mike White and kick returner Kylen Towner were named Preseason C-USA Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Year, respectively.
The Hilltoppers begin their 2017 campaign at home against in-state rival Eastern Kentucky on Sept. 2. With first kick at 6 p.m., WKU will look to extend its win streak to nine after finishing the 2016 campaign on an eight-game tear in which the squad outscored its opponents 418-179.