For the first time since 2015, the university football team is ranked in the STATS FCS top 25 rankings.

The Lions are sitting at No. 23 after knocking off then No. 6 Jacksonville State University 35-14 in the home opener on Aug. 29.

Devonte Williams, a senior running back, shared how it felt to accomplish something that has not been done in four years and what they look to do in their next game against the University of Mississippi.

“It feels great but as a football team you can’t dwell on the past, and we need to move on,” stated Williams. “We have to look forward to our next game against Ole Miss. We have to create mismatches on offense. Our defense is going to do their thing. Our defensive coordinator is great, and he is going to put our defense in the position to win the football game.”

Frank Scelfo, head coach of football, talked about the recent accomplishments.

“It’s good and feels good to say that we are ranked but we got to stay the course and focus on our next game,” stated Scelfo. “We need to keep playing good football and focus on taking it one football game at a time. We can’t get too focused on the rankings and need to worry about having good practices and how we are going to match up against other teams.”

Chason Virgil, a senior quarterback, explained how it feels to be ranked amongst the best.

“It feels good to be ranked,” said Virgil. “This is the first time since 2015 that Southeastern won its first game. It feels good to start out in the right direction. To win a home opener and be ranked for the first time since 2015 really feels great. It can easily be gone next week. We have to continue to prepare and play good football. We have to go 1-0 every week from here on out and continue to improve.”

Virgil described how the win against Jacksonville State University and being ranked impacted the university football community.

“The win was not just for the whole football team,” stated Virgil. “The win is for the school, and it’s also for the community so they can brag on us and be proud of their football team. We just have to put our heads down and keep working. Hopefully, we keep heading in the right direction.”

After the cancellation of the home game against Bethune-Cookman University due to Hurricane Dorian, the next home game is scheduled for Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. against Lamar University.