MACON, Ga. -- Senior defensive lineman Javontae Cooper was selected to the 2026 preseason All-Conference Second Team as announced prior to Wednesday's Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Football Media Day presented by Georgia Power. His inclusion was done by vote of the league's head football coaches.

Cooper, from Lanett, Ala., was as disruptive as they came from the interior line in 2025. He finished with 33 tackles, four quarterback hurries, 3.0 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. As a returning member from the 2024 SIAC Championship team, he should continue to provide leadership and great play as the Golden Bears look to return to the top of the league standings.

Coming off of a 3-8 season, the Golden Bears were picked to finish seventh from the conference's 13 teams when the Predicted Order of Finish was released. Under second year head coach Chris Goode, Miles has plans to outperform those expectations, which were also voted on by the SIAC head football coaches.

"We got better the last five or six games last year. We played a lot better and it carried over to the spring," Goode said. "This year...I know we will be a lot better team."

As the players - including defensive back Tre Jones and wide receiver Glen Williams - made their rounds at the multiple media stations, it was defensive lineman Chevalie Condry who stated that he believes the defense can lead the way for the Golden Bears in their pursuit of another league championship. Those efforts will have to start up front.

"When the defensive line is winning, we can win anything, any game. If you can't stop our defensive line, you can't win," Condry said.

The Golden Bears open the 2026 season on Aug. 29 when they travel to face Division I Alcorn State. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.