KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MIAA announced the 2026 Football Preseason Coaches and Media Polls ahead of 2026 MIAA Football Media Day. Out of 10 teams in the league, MoWest was picked both to finish 9th in the league standings by MIAA coaches, and 9th by the media.

The 2026 MIAA preseason polls were conducted separately by the league's head coaches and media members. Pittsburg State was selected first in the MIAA Coaches Poll, followed by Northwest Missouri State and Central Oklahoma. In the MIAA Media Poll, Northwest Missouri State earned the top spot, followed by Pittsburg State and Central Oklahoma.

The Griffons look to improve on their 3-8 overall record from the 2025 season, including a 2-7 mark in MIAA play. MoWest has reloaded its roster by adding 26 transfers and 32 freshmen. The Griffons also return plenty of experience, featuring 29 juniors, 12 seniors and eight fifth-year players.

MoWest returns 15 starters from last season, including eight on offense, four on defense and three on special teams. The Griffons will also look to replace 18 starters lost from the 2025 squad, including 10 on defense, six on offense and two on special teams.

MoWest opens the 2026 season at home on Thursday, Aug. 27, against Augustana (S.D.) at Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The season opener will be a rematch of last year's Week 0 meeting between the two programs.

The complete 2026 MIAA Football Preseason Coaches and Media Polls are listed below.

2026 MIAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS

COACHES POLL
1. Pittsburg State [7]
2. Northwest Missouri [3]
3. Central Oklahoma
4. Fort Hays State
5. Central Missouri
6. Emporia State
7. Nebraska Kearney
8. Washburn
9. MoWest
10. Missouri Southern
[#] - First Place Votes

MEDIA POLL
1. Northwest Missouri [19]
2. Pittsburg State [10]
3. Central Oklahoma [1]
4. Central Missouri 
5. Fort Hays State
6. Emporia State
7. Nebraska Kearney
8. Washburn
9. MoWest
10. Missouri Southern
[#] - First Place Votes