Great Plains Athletic Conference Release
The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) has announced the preseason football coaches’ poll for the 2026 season. Morningside University is the preseason pick to win the GPAC championship.
The Mustangs reached the NAIA Football Championships Series last season, earning a top-12 national seed. Dordt also made the NAIA Football Championship Series. Morningside and Dordt were the co-champions of the league in 2025 with 9-1 records in conference play.
Morningside totaled 96 points and six first place votes. Dordt was picked second with 91 points and four first place votes. Northwestern was picked third with 82 points and one first place vote, with Concordia tabbed fourth with 67 points. Midland rounded out the top five with 60 points.
Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.
2026 GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll:
| RANK | SCHOOL | POINTS | 1st Place Votes |
| 1 | MORNINGSIDE | 96 | 6 |
| 2 | DORDT | 91 | 4 |
| 3 | NORTHWESTERN | 82 | 1 |
| 4 | CONCORDIA | 67 | |
| 5 | MIDLAND | 60 | |
| 6 | HASTINGS | 59 | |
| 7 | MOUNT MARTY | 49 | |
| 8 | BRIAR CLIFF | 34 | |
| 9 | DAKOTA WESLEYAN | 32 | |
| 10 | DOANE | 25 | |
| 11 | WALDORF | 10 |
Games for the 2026 season kick off on Thursday, August 27 through Saturday, August 29, with most teams playing non-conference games. Concordia and Waldorf open Conference action on Saturday, August 29, while the rest of the teams start league play on September 5.
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