KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri Western football has been picked to finish 7^th and 8^th in the MIAA preseason polls released Monday.

Out of 10 teams in the league, Missouri Western was picked to finish 7^th in the league standings by MIAA coaches, and 8^th by the media.

Defending conference champion Central Oklahoma was picked first by the MIAA coaches, while Pittsburg State was picked first by the media.

Missouri Western looks to bounce back this season from a 4-7 mark in 2024, including a 2-7 mark in MIAA play.
 
While it was the fewest number of wins since 2017, the Griffons competed hard with all seven of their losses coming by an average margin of 7.1 points. Four of the losses were to nationally ranked opponents, and two of those were in overtime.
 
Missouri Western welcomes back a plethora of talent in 2025 with 21 total starters back, including 11 players on the offensive side who started four games or more in 2024.
 
The Griffons also made some key additions in the offseason, signing 30 freshmen and 10 transfers. The position of choice in this class was defensive backs with 14 DBs joining the team. Missouri Western also signed seven new receivers, as each of the top four pass catchers from 2024 have since graduated.
 
Missouri Western opens their season on Saturday, August 30 with a roadtrip to Augustana. Kickoff from Kirkeby-Over Stadium in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is set for 2 p.m.
 
2025 MIAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Central Oklahoma [7] – 78 points
2. Pittsburg State [3] – 75 points
3. Fort Hays State – 62 points
4. Central Missouri – 57 points
5. Emporia State – 50 points
6. Northwest Missouri – 41 points
7. Missouri Western – 29 points
8. Nebraska Kearney – 28 points
9. Washburn – 21 points
10. Missouri Southern – 9 points
[#] - Number of First Place Votes
 
2025 MIAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON MEDIA POLL
1. Pittsburg State [13] – 310 points
2. Central Oklahoma [18] – 307 points
3. Fort Hays State [2] – 271 points
4. Central Missouri [1] – 239 points
5. Northwest Missouri – 215 points
6. Emporia State – 167 points
7. Nebraska Kearney – 120 points
8. Missouri Western – 107 points
9. Washburn – 88 points
10. Missouri Southern – 46 points
[#] - Number of First Place Votes