(Maryville, MO) — The Northwest Missouri State University football team has been tabbed at No. 5 in Lindy’s Sports NCAA Division II Preseason Top 10 rankings.
The Bearcats are heading into the second season under the direction of head coach John McMenamin. McMenamin guided the Bearcats to a 9-3 record in 2025 that included a share of the program’s 32nd MIAA regular season title. Northwest extended its NCAA Division II record with its 27th playoff appearance. Northwest owns an NCAA Division II-best 53 playoff wins.
Northwest returns seven starters on offense and five on defense. Northwest has nine players coming back that earned all-MIAA honors in 2025 in Kaleb McCullough (OL), Harrison Merriman (OL), Michael Harrison (CB), Antwon Jenkins Jr. (CB), Quincy Torry (RB), Andrew Waltke (TE), Pierce Wand (OL), Zylen Saddler-Robinson (DL) and Holden Zigmant (S).
Northwest will open the 2026 season Aug. 29 at Texas A&M-Kingsville. The Bearcats home schedule will begin Sept. 12 against MIAA foe Washburn.
Lindy’s Sports D2 Preseason Top 10
1. Ferris State
2. Kutztown
3. Harding
4. Minnesota State
5. Northwest Missouri State
6. Grand Valley State
7. Pittsburg State
8. Indianapolis
9. Western Colorado
10. Frostburg State
