BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Northeast Conference released the 2025 Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll, with the FDU Knights projected to finish third, tied with Central Connecticut.
 
Defending champions LIU earned the top spot, with Wagner right behind them. Both LIU and Wagner earned four first-place votes. Following FDU in the rankings are Le Moyne, Stonehill, Mercyhurst, Norfolk State, Delaware State, Coppin State, and UMES.
 
The Knights enter the season with a strong returning core, led by junior two-way standout Jeremy Cheeseman and sophomore outfielder Joey DiMotta. Cheeseman, who played in 53 of 56 games last season, posted a .258 batting average with 42 hits, 36 runs, and 41 RBIs. DiMotta looks to build on an impressive freshman campaign in which he hit .255 with 36 total hits, including a clutch postseason home run against Merrimack that secured a Game 1 victory for FDU.

On the mound, senior right-hander Chris Mattioli returns after making a significant impact last season. Transitioning into a starting role midseason, Mattioli appeared in 15 games (six starts), tallying 49 strikeouts—including a career-high eight against Norfolk State.
 
The Knights open their 2025 season on February 14 at UNC Asheville, followed by their home opener on February 26 against Saint Peter's at the Naimoli Family Baseball Complex.