Jacksonville State is picked to win the Ohio Valley Conference championship by media covering the league.

The Gamecocks received 118 total points and nine of a possible 14 first-place votes in the league's preseason media poll, which was released Friday. Tennessee State earned four first-place votes and was second in the poll. Two-time defending champion Eastern Illinois received the other first-place vote and was picked third. They were followed in order by Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee Martin, Murray State, Tennessee Tech, Southeast Missouri State and Austin Peay.

Jacksonville State running back DeMarcus James was named preseason offensive player of the year. The preseason defensive player of the year is Tennessee State end Anthony Bass.

A preseason poll from the league's head coaches and sports information directors will come out Monday.