Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324

D3football.com Top 25 Poll - Week 2
AFCA Division III Week 2 Poll

Sept. 15, 2025 - Maintaining the No. 1 spot in both the D3football.com and American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division III Top 25 polls, North Central College football opened the 2025 season with a decisive 45–14 win over No. 16/18 University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on Saturday.

The Cardinals earned all 52 first-place votes in the AFCA poll and 22 of 25 in the D3football.com rankings. North Central has held the top spot in every poll since the 2023 season.

The Cardinals' defense stifled the Titans, allowing just 50 rushing yards on 24 attempts and forcing two turnovers—interceptions by Jahmar Daniel and Matt Janiak. On offense, North Central piled up 293 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Garret Wilson threw for 261 yards and two scores, connecting with wide receiver Thomas Skokna, who finished with seven receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns.

Trailing North Central in the rankings are the University of Mount Union and Johns Hopkins University. D3football.com places Susquehanna at No. 4 and St. John's University at No. 5, while the AFCA poll flips the River Hawks and Johnnies. North Central's Week 4 opponent, Wheaton College, is ranked No. 18 in both polls.

The Cardinals begin College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin play Saturday, hosting Carthage College. Kickoff against the Firebirds is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Benedetti–Wehrli Stadium.