LIBERTY, Mo. - The Tarleton Texans have been ranked No. 18 in the D2Football.com preseason poll released Tuesday.

The Texans, who finished the 2009 season 10-3 after reaching the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs, claimed a share of the Lone Star Conference  and LSC South Division titles.

Northwest Missouri State (14-1), the 2009 national champions, is ranked No. 1 in the nation in the preseason poll done by the website.  Abilene Christian (9-4) was ranked No. 4 while No. 11 West Texas A&M (7-5), No. 13 Texas A&M-Kingsville (9-3) and No. 17 Midwestern State (9-3) are the other LSC teams ranked in the poll.

Other Super Region Four members ranked are the top-ranked NWMSU, No. 5 Central Washington (12-1), No. 9 Washburn (8-3), No. 14 Missouri Western (9-3) and No. 20 Nebraska-Omaha (7-5).

Last year's records are listed in parenthesis.

The Texans open the 2010 season at home on Thursday, Sept. 2 against Northeastern State.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.