St. Thomas football enters the 2024 season as the top contender for the Pioneer Football League title behind defending champion Drake.

The Tommies, who open Aug. 29 vs. Sioux Falls at home, were picked to finish second in the 11-team conference in Tuesday's PFL Coaches' preseason poll. Davidson, Butler and San Diego rounded out the preseason top five picks.

Last season, St. Thomas finished with an 8-3 record, including 7-1 in conference play after losing only to Drake. Since joining the Pioneer league in 2021, the Tommies haven't finished below the top three, including earning their first Pioneer title in 2022 and runner-up last year.

After four nonconference games, Pioneer league play starts for St. Thomas on Oct. 5 against Stetson University at O'Shaughnessy Stadium.