McNeese State received votes in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll for the first time in program history.

Coming off a 30-4 season, the Cowboys received 11 votes in the poll released Monday. That is the most votes of any mid-major program.

“That is great for the program and great for the university,” said McNeese head coach Will Wade. “It shows how far we have progressed in a short time.

“However, you don’t win games on paper and you have to go out there and play the games. It does mean more teams are going to put a target on our backs so we have to be ready.”

Last year was the first time McNeese ever made the poll during a season.

The Cowboys were listed 12th among the others receiving votes Monday. This after winning both the Southland Conference’s regular season and tournament championships.

They earned their first NCAA Tournament berth in 22 years by doing so and were rewarded with a 12 seed. The Cowboys lost their first-round game to Gonzaga in Salt Lake City, Utah.

With three starters back and six letterwinners, McNeese is hoping for a better run. Second-year head coach Will Wade has said the goal of this season is “to win a tournament game.”

McNeese has never won a game in the NCAA Tournament

Leading the group of returning players is SLC Defensive Player of the Year Christian Shumate, who has added a long-range shot to his game. Also back are starters Javohn Garcia and Omar Cooper.

Six-man and sharpshooter DJ Richards also returns as do Mike Saunders and redshirt freshman T’Johnn Brown. Eight newcomers who will add depth and firepower to the Cowboy lineup.

Kansas tops the AP Top 25 poll with Alabama No. 2. The Cowboys will travel to Alabama for a game against the Tide on Nov. 11. The Crimson Tide made it to the Final Four last spring.

McNeese will open the season a week earlier against fellow mid-major South Dakota State. The Cowboys will travel to Sioux Falls, SD to take part in the inaugural Field of 68 event to be held in the Sanford Pentagon.

McNeese will open the home campaign three days later against the College of Biblical Studies before heading to Alabama.