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

D3football.com 2026 Preseason Poll

Apr. 8, 2026 - For the fourth consecutive year, the North Central College football team enters its season ranked No. 1 in the D3football.com preseason Top 25, receiving all 25 possible first-place votes in the 2026 poll, the organization announced Monday.

The unanimous selection is the first in a D3football.com preseason poll since Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2014. The Cardinals closed 2025 ranked No. 2 after a 24-14 loss to Wisconsin-River Falls in the Stagg Bowl, their fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division III National Championship. North Central also secured its fifth straight CCIW title and extended its conference winning streak to a league-record 51 games.

Following North Central in the poll is its 2026 season opener opponent, Bethel University. The University of Mount Union, Johns Hopkins University and Wheaton College, the Cardinals' week four opponent and conference rival, round out the top five. Wartburg College, North Central's week two opponent, enters the season ranked No. 9, giving the Cardinals three top-10 matchups in their first five games.

The Cardinals and Royals open the season with a noon kickoff at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. North Central defeated Bethel 35-21 in the 2025 NCAA Division III Quarterfinals behind five rushing touchdowns from the Cardinal offense.