KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Six teams from the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) were recognized in the latest edition of the
STADIONIC NAIA Football Poll, the national office announced Monday. This is the last football coaches' poll of the season, as it will switch to a national selection committee (NSC) poll starting on Oct. 27.
Friends University is the top-ranked team from the conference, coming in at No. 7, which they occupied in the previous poll. McPherson College is now No. 17, down five spots from their previous ranking. Southwestern College moved up from the "Receiving Votes" category of the poll to No. 23.
The conference now has three teams in the "Receiving Votes" category: Evangel University (No. 24 in previous poll), Kansas Wesleyan University (have occupied the "RV" category since the beginning of the season), and Ottawa University (enters the poll have not receiving votes a week ago).
ARC ratings will accompany the first NSC poll that is scheduled to be released on Oct. 27.
TOP 15 CAPSULES
1. College of Idaho (6-0)
College of Idaho continues to set the pace with an unbeaten record and an offense capable of putting points on the board in a hurry. The Yotes rolled past Montana Western 52-7 last week, producing 553 yards of offense. Rylie Byington has emerged as one of the NAIA’s most dangerous threats on the ground with 13 rushing touchdowns. College of Idaho hosts Eastern Oregon (5-1) this Saturday in a key Frontier Conference matchup.
2. Benedictine (Kan.) (7-1)
Benedictine has established itself using a strong run of performances to build a 7-1 record, including seven consecutive victories. The Ravens delivered another impressive offensive showing last Saturday, defeating MidAmerica Nazarene 59-17 behind 481 total yards and eight touchdowns. Benedictine looks to continue that momentum when William Woods, which has won four of its last six games, visits Atchison this week.
3. Grand View (Iowa) (6-1)
The defending national champions continue to build their success around a defense that has been among the NAIA’s best, allowing just 10.2 points and 237.5 total yards per game entering last week. Grand View added another convincing victory Thursday, defeating Graceland 52-20 to improve to 6-1. The Vikings return home Saturday to face Culver-Stockton, which is looking for back-to-back wins over ranked opponents.
4. St. Thomas (Fla.) (7-0)
St. Thomas delivered one of the season’s most impressive performances Saturday, defeating Keiser 52-7 to remain unbeaten and climb five spots to No. 4. The Bobcats have combined an explosive offense with a defense that has consistently frustrated opponents, particularly against the run. Running back Isaiah Lopez has accumulated 885 rushing yards this season. St. Thomas travels to nationally ranked Southeastern this week for another major showdown in The Sun Conference.
5. Montana Tech (6-1)
Montana Tech continues to build around a stingy defense and timely offensive production. The Orediggers have been particularly effective at limiting opponents on the ground, while receiver Levi Torgerson has become a reliable weapon with 59 receptions. Montana Tech enjoyed an open week following its 62-0 shutout of Mont. St.-Northern and returns to action Saturday at Mayville State.
6. Morningside (Iowa) (6-1)
Morningside’s high-powered offense continues to create problems for opposing defenses, with the Mustangs combining an efficient passing attack and consistent scoring. Quarterback Tyler Smith has posted a passing efficiency rating of 185.3, while Drew Sellon has hauled in 59 receptions. Following an open week, Morningside returns home to face Concordia (Neb.), looking to build on its 72-19 victory over Waldorf.
7. Friends (Kan.) (7-0)
Unbeaten Friends continues to feature the nation’s most explosive rushing and scoring attack. The Falcons entered last week leading the country in both categories at 440.3 rushing yards and 66.0 points per game. Friends strengthened its unbeaten season Saturday with a 48-24 victory over previously undefeated McPherson and now hosts Southwestern (6-1) in another significant KCAC showdown.
8. Marian (Ind.) (6-1)
Marian continues to build momentum behind a balanced attack and a defense capable of controlling games. The Knights delivered another dominant performance Saturday, handing previously unbeaten Olivet Nazarene its first loss with a 31-3 victory. Kicker Ashton Vogel has also been a valuable contributor, connecting on 11 field goals this season. Marian takes its six-game winning streak to St. Mary-of-the-Woods this week.
9. Indiana Wesleyan (6-1)
Indiana Wesleyan continues to showcase one of the NAIA’s most dynamic offenses, featuring standout running back Ryan Whitwell, who has rushed for 1,035 yards and 15 touchdowns. Quarterback Arjun Lothe delivered a remarkable performance Saturday, tying his school record with seven touchdown passes in a 53-12 victory over Defiance. The Wildcats return home this week to face Madonna.
10. Keiser (Fla.) (4-2)
Keiser looks to regain its momentum following a difficult 52-7 loss at unbeaten St. Thomas on Saturday. The Seahawks have demonstrated their offensive potential throughout the season, including a 38-16 victory over Florida Memorial and an 80-0 win at Thomas (Ga.) earlier this month. Keiser will look to bounce back this Saturday when it travels to Webber International for another contest in The Sun Conference.
11. Carroll (Mont.) (6-1)
Carroll has put together another impressive campaign behind an efficient offense and consistency on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Kaden Huot has been particularly effective, posting a passing efficiency rating of 191.4. The Fighting Saints earned a 45-31 road victory over Simpson (Calif.) on Saturday, extending their strong start to the season. Carroll has an open week before returning to Frontier Conference competition.
T-#12. Campbellsville (Ky.) (6-1)
Campbellsville continues to demonstrate its strength in Mid-South Conference competition, building momentum through a challenging stretch of the schedule. The Tigers earned their second consecutive conference victory Saturday, defeating Cumberland (Tenn.) 31-14 after a 33-26 win over Cumberlands (Ky.) the previous week. Campbellsville has an open date this Saturday before returning to conference play October 31 at Bethel (Tenn.).
T-#12. Dordt (Iowa) (5-2)
Dordt continues to showcase a dangerous passing attack featuring one of the nation’s most productive receivers. Kaden Harken has hauled in 12 touchdown passes this season, providing the Defenders with a reliable scoring weapon. Dordt delivered a convincing 49-3 victory over Briar Cliff on Saturday and looks to extend its winning streak this week at Mount Marty.
14. Louisiana Christian (7-1)
Louisiana Christian has been one of the NAIA’s most explosive offensive teams, using consistent scoring to power an impressive 7-1 start. The Wildcats demonstrated their ability to win a close contest Saturday, holding off Nelson 31-23 on the road. Kicker Preston Baker has contributed 67 kicking points this season. Louisiana Christian travels to Texas College this week.
15. Georgetown (Ky.) (4-2)
Georgetown continues to showcase the competitive identity that has made the Tigers a consistent presence in Mid-South Conference football. Special teams have provided an added dimension, with Jamarcus Robinson averaging 33.1 yards per kickoff return. Following an open week, Georgetown returns to action Saturday against Bethel (Tenn.), looking to build on its dramatic 24-21 overtime victory over Lindsey Wilson.
FULL TOP 25 RANKINGS
| RANK |
LAST |
INSTITUTION [FIRST-PLACE VOTES] |
RECORD |
| 1 |
1 |
College of Idaho [13] |
6-0 |
| 2 |
3 |
Benedictine (Kan.) |
7-1 |
| 3 |
4 |
Grand View (Iowa) |
6-1 |
| 4 |
9 |
St. Thomas (Fla.) |
7-0 |
| 5 |
5 |
Montana Tech |
6-1 |
| 6 |
6 |
Morningside (Iowa) |
6-1 |
| 7 |
7 |
Friends (Kan.) |
7-0 |
| 8 |
8 |
Marian (Ind.) |
6-1 |
| 9 |
10 |
Indiana Wesleyan |
6-1 |
| 10 |
2 |
Keiser (Fla.) |
4-2 |
| 11 |
11 |
Carroll (Mont.) |
6-1 |
| T-12 |
13 |
Campbellsville (Ky.) |
6-1 |
| T-12 |
14 |
Dordt (Iowa) |
5-2 |
| 14 |
15 |
Louisiana Christian |
7-1 |
| 15 |
17 |
Georgetown (Ky.) |
4-2 |
| 16 |
18 |
Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) |
5-2 |
| 17 |
12 |
McPherson (Kan.) |
6-1 |
| 18 |
19 |
Midland (Neb.) |
6-1 |
| 19 |
20 |
Northwestern (Iowa) |
6-2 |
| 20 |
22 |
Southeastern (Fla.) |
5-1 |
| 21 |
23 |
Baker (Kan.) |
5-1 |
| 22 |
16 |
Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) |
5-1 |
| 23 |
RV |
Southwestern (Kan.) |
6-1 |
| 24 |
RV |
Cumberlands (Ky.) |
5-2 |
| 25 |
RV |
Taylor (Ind.) |
5-2 |
Dropped out of the Top 25: Cumberland (Tenn.),
Evangel (Mo.), William Penn (Iowa).
Receiving Votes: Cumberland (Tenn.), Dakota State (S.D.), Eastern Oregon, Evangel (Mo.), Kansas Wesleyan, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.), Ottawa (Kan.), OUAZ (Ariz.), William Penn (Iowa)
—KCAC—