Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324
AFCA Division III Preseason Top 25
Aug. 24, 2026 - For the third straight season, the North Central College football team enters a new year as the preseason favorite in the American Football Coaches Association Preseason Top 25 Poll, the organization announced Monday. The Cardinals received all 50 possible first-place votes.
North Central finished 2025 as the national runner-up, advancing to a sixth straight NCAA Division III National Championship. The Cardinals also claimed a fifth consecutive College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin title and went 45-0 in conference play during that span.
Earlier this month, the Cardinals were ranked the unanimous No. 1 team in the D3football.com preseason poll, with QB Garret Wilson, OL Cortez Jones and LB Matt Janiak earning preseason All-American recognition.
Bethel University, North Central's week one opponent, is ranked No. 2. The University of Mount Union, Johns Hopkins University and CCIW rival Wheaton College complete the top five. Wartburg College, the Cardinals' week two opponent, is ranked No. 9.
North Central opens the 2026 season on Sept. 5 against No. 2 Bethel University. Kickoff is scheduled for noon at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Royals 35-21 in last year's national quarterfinal.
